Definition of a testnet
A testnet is a simulation version of an active blockchain, known as a mainnet. In other words, it is an environment that reproduces the functions and characteristics of the main blockchain, but which is used for test purposes rather than for real transactions.
Indeed, the purpose of a network of this type is to test new blockchain functionalities without cost or risk, since the underlying cryptocurrency of this network has no real economic value.
In a test network, a clean cryptocurrency is used, which is in some ways a copy of the original currency, but which has no real value. This test currency is used to simulate transactions and test the functionality of the blockchain without involving real transfers of value. One of the advantages of using a test network is that it does not affect the public blockchain in any way, since the tests are carried out in an environment that is completely isolated from the original blockchain.
This allows developers to freely test new features or modifications without the risk of causing problems on the main blockchain. The point is to thoroughly test your product before production to ensure that it works properly. Once the product has been tested, it can finally be implemented on the mainnet.
How is a testnet different from a mainnet?
A mainnet is a system that executes orders with real monetary values involving authorised parties carrying out transactions. Whereas a testnet, as the name suggests, is a simulated environment that offers the same capabilities, but without any link or interaction with the main blockchain, which means that the cryptocurrencies are fictitious.
A testnet is therefore a kind of temporary database where companies can try out blockchain-based solutions before implementing them on the main network.
What are the advantages of a testnet?
The main advantages associated with using a testnet are :
The ability for the developer to experiment and test various features without worrying about potential consequences.
A secure and private environment in which to try out different scenarios.
An ideal platform for initiating the rights protection process.
A good opportunity to evaluate the performance of the protocol and obtain feedback from users.
It also allows several stakeholders to come together to create a joint project without risking their money. Control of the source code through the testnet provides greater accessibility to the project and encourages collaboration between different organisations.
Example of Ethereum test networks
Ethereum is a fairly large blockchain that contains numerous testnets with different characteristics.
Ropsten Testnet
Ropsten is one of the oldest and most popular Ethereum test networks. It is a dedicated Ethereum testnet that is used to test new features and updates to the Ethereum network before they are deployed on the main network.
The Ropsten testnet is based on the same code as the main Ethereum network, but with some important differences. It uses a consensus algorithm called Proof of Work (PoW) to validate transactions and produce blocks, but it uses a different type of proof of work to that used on the main network.
Rinkeby Testnet
Rinkeby is another popular Ethereum testnet that is often used to test smart contracts and decentralised applications before they are deployed on the main Ethereum network. It is frequently preferred by developers due to its ease of use and large community of nodes.
Rinkeby is a public testnet that uses a Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus algorithm to validate transactions and produce blocks. Unlike other Ethereum test networks that use Proof of Work (PoW), PoA is faster and more efficient, allowing transactions to be processed more quickly on Rinkeby.
Kovan Testnet
Kovan is another Ethereum test network that is frequently used to test smart contracts and decentralised applications before they are deployed on the main Ethereum network. It was launched in 2017 and is considered one of the most stable and reliable Ethereum test networks.
Kovan also uses the Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus algorithm to validate transactions and produce blocks. However, it uses a different type of PoA to the one used on Rinkeby, called Authority Round (AuRa). AuRa is considered to be more efficient than standard PoA, as it uses validation blocks to reduce the risk of attack and misbehaviour.
Test networks have been specially created to allow users, particularly developers, to manipulate their smart contracts in complete security, without any risk to the main blockchain. The testnet can be seen as a mirror dimension, similar to the production environment, but which serves as an experimental environment like a sandbox.
This gives developers the opportunity to test their smart contracts without the risk of causing problems on the main blockchain. In this way, errors can be identified and corrected before deployment on the production blockchain, reducing costs and the risk of error.
