What is a Testnet testnet? - Bit2Me Academy (2024)

August 23, 2018 | Updated May 15, 2024

Basic min reading

A testnet network is an essential tool in the development of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Thanks to this type of network, development teams can test without affecting the operation of the original network.

A testnet network is a almost identical copy for the blockchain of a cryptocurrency that has two main objectives:

Characteristics of a testnet

Testnet-like networks use their own cryptocurrency which is a copy of the original chain's asset. Interaction with them has no reflection on public blockchains of the original cryptocurrencies. They are outside the natural blockchain network by placing themselves on a testnet where all code can be tested without affecting the main blockchain.

For these development blockchain, the teams of programmers generate genesis blocks slightly different. With this, a marker is created in the blocks and in the possible generated coins. This prevents them from being added to the operational blockchain (also known as mainnet). As a consequence of this, it is impossible to transfer cryptocurrencies from an active blockchain to a testnet and vice versa. In this way, the developers guarantee the separation of the two blockchain, preventing someone from fraudulently profiting.

Another characteristic of testnets is that the algorithm that regulates the difficulty of mining your coins is capped so that it does not increase. Thus, the cryptocurrency mining from a testnet is too easy, nullifying the value of the coins obtained.

Except for these small details and a few more, without importance at this level, the rest of the elements are identical. This is important to be so because it must be ensured that if something works correctly on the Testnet, it also works on the Mainnet (the public blockchain).

A test network (also for users)

The Testnet is responsible for being able to run the updates on the Mainnet without major problems. This is because this process is done first on the Testnet as a mock run. Development teams upload updates to the testnet, where they will use the opportunity to conduct their own analysis. During this process, they seek detect errors in the code or see how the new programming affects the test blockchain.

As you can see, this Test Environment or «sandbox" is necessary to contain any kind of unforeseen. And it is that with this method the teams responsible for the progress of these projects are aware of the consequences that testing live changes could have. If a blockchain was updated with aUpdate containing errors, millions could be affected in seconds. And not only that, users would lose confidence in the use of that specific technology.

After finding possible bugs and debugging the code, verified that it is safe and that there are no negative consequences on the test blockchain, these updates could be implemented on the public blockchain. Although just before this happened, they should be previously approved by nodes. in the form of democratic voting.

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Differences between a mainnet and a testnet

Two networks are associated with Bitcoin, although they are totally separate networks:

Mainnet: Main network
Testnet (or Testnet3): Test network

While the bitcoins we know live on the Mainnet network, a cryptocurrency identical to bitcoin "lives" on the Testnet network but with its own type of addresses and its ownaccounting record or blockchain. We put the word lives in quotation marks, since all that exists is an accounting record. To give you a better idea, look at the following example:

In Testnet the addresses do not start with "1" or "3" as in Bitcoin, but with "m»Or«2«. Examples:
mvN7z3C3GNwTkeEY2tvAQzragtDoiQZ5CF
2NEPMeQcRF7j3uZvQYqsEQxxdCqEnNgDyXd

This difference seems small, but it is what guarantees that it is impossible to send bitcoin from the mainnet to the testnet. This must be so because testnet coins are worthless. The reason is that mining coins on testnet is very simple, so simple that any computer can do it. This obviously does not compare to the difficulty and investment that must be made to achieve the same goal on the Mainnet network.

But if you want to know more about how Bitcoin takes its value, we recommend reading this other article.

Other differences between mainnet and testnet are as follows:

Testnet uses a different value in the parameterADDRESS VERSION. This parameter is the one that ends up creating different addresses and that's why no Testnet address works in Bitcoin. While Bitcoin uses0x00in Testnet it is used0x6F. It is key so that they can be visually identified.
The Testnet network uses a different Genesis block than the main Bitcoin network. The Genesis block is the seed from which the ledger, the blockchain, begins to be created. Only by changing the Genesis block you start a new cryptocurrency, because you start a new ledger.
CheckingIsStandard ()written in the Bitcoin code is disabled on Testnet, allowing a perfect setting to experiment with transactions and new ideas.
In Testnet startup use different seeds ofDNS.
The header of the protocol messages is0x0B110907instead of0xF9BEB4D9which is used in Bitcoin.
The Bitcoin program is anodeof aP2P networkand you need to communicate with other nodes on the network. Normally use the port8333from the computer, but in Testnet mode use the port18333to be able to operate both modes at the same time on the same computer. A port are points of entry and exit of information that all computers have.
The Bitcoin program also allows you to communicate with other programs, for example those that you as a developer can create. This is the port used for the protocolRPC. Testnet uses18332while Bitcoin uses8332.
If a block has not been found within 20 minutes, the difficulty automatically restarts.

Bitcoin Testnet

La Bitcoin Testnet It was launched in September 2010 as a testnet to allow developers to experiment and test new features without risking real bitcoins on the mainnet. Here's an overview of how it has evolved since then:

1. Initial release: The Testnet was launched with the goal of providing a secure environment for developers to test their applications and experiment with Bitcoin features without affecting the mainnet.

2. Versions and updates: Over the years, the Testnet has closely followed the updates and improvements made to the Bitcoin mainnet. Testnet releases are aligned with major Bitcoin software releases, allowing developers to test new features and updates before they are rolled out to the mainnet.

3. Application and tool development: The Testnet has been fundamental for the development of numerous applications, tools and services related to Bitcoin. Developers can build and test applications like wallets, exchanges, block explorers, and more in a secure environment before launching them on the mainnet.

4. Security and scalability testing: The Testnet has also been used for security and scalability testing. Developers can simulate different attack scenarios and evaluate system resilience before implementing changes to the core network.

5. Community and collaboration: The Testnet has encouraged collaboration and exchange of ideas within the Bitcoin community. Developers can share their experiences, problems, and solutions while working on developing new apps and features.

In short, the Bitcoin Testnet has been an invaluable tool for development and experimentation in the Bitcoin ecosystem, providing a secure environment to test new features and improve the mainnet.