Testnet

A testnet is an instance of a blockchain powered by the same or a newer version of the underlying software. It is used for testing and experimentation without affecting the mainnet.

Testnets use their own tokens / coins which are a copy of the mainnet assets. Test tokens / coins have no reflection on public blockchains and the original tokens / coins. This is why development teams of programmers generate test blocks and tokens / coins. These are distinguished by a special tag, preventing them from being added to the mainnet. As a consequence of this, it is impossible to convert cryptocurrencies from a mainnet to a testnet and vice versa. In this way, the developers guarantee the separation of the two blockchains, preventing anyone from fraudulently profiting.

Another characteristic of the testnet is that the regulatory algorithm does not increase the difficulty of mining. Thus, mining cryptocurrencies on testnet is too easy and an enormous number of tokens / coins with no value are created within a little while.

Except for these small details, the rest of the elements are identical. This is important because it must be ensured that if something works correctly on the testnet, it will also work on the mainnet.

Why is testnet important?

Imagine sending millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency without first verifying that the blockchain works as intended, and then losing all your money. The developers want to prevent this, so the testnet phase serves as a protection against bugs and errors. The blockchain is still in the development phase so frequent testing and bug analysis are a must. Therefore, only developers and selected testers have access to the testnet.

PROs

• Bug detection
• No impact on the blockchain performance
• Testing protects the blockchain operation