What are Devnet, Testnet & Mainnet? Devnet, Testnet & Mainnet are networks that have different important roles in each Blockchain. So what are Devnet, Testnet & Mainnet and is there anything special? Let’s find out together in the article below.
What is Devnet, Testnet & Mainnet?
Overview of Devnet
Devnet stands for Development Network and is a network created for the purpose of testing applications, protocols, features and Smart Contracts in a simulated environment. Devnet provides developers with a secure platform to test new features without worrying about security risks or impact to the main network.
Compared to a completely new blockchain, Devnet will usually be opened first so that developers can participate in experience and interaction before users can join the tesnet network.
Overview of Testnet
Testnet is a separate network and completely independent from the main network. The testnet serves as a testing network and develops new applications on the Blockchain platform without using real assets. Testnet provides a suitable environment where developers can test the functionality, reliability and scalability of their applications on the blockchain without affecting data and activity on the main network.
Some prominent Testnet networks on Ethereum such as Goerli, Ropsten, Kovan, Rinbeky,…
Overview of Mainnet
Mainnet is short for Main Network which is the official network of Blockchain and here the assets used are real assets through many different activities depending on the application and protocol that users participate in, it can be DeFi, NFT, Gaming or Social. Once the mainnet was deployed, it was thoroughly evaluated and tested to ensure stability, security, and efficiency.
Some Questions About Devnet, Testnet & Mainnet
Launch sequence of Devnet, Testnet & Mainnet on a new Blockchain
Answer: Normally when a new Blockchain is launched, the roadmap it shares with the community is Devnet to Testnet and finally Mainnet. Devnet marks the process when the network begins to be built and deployed. Testnet serves as the final testing phase before reaching the Mainnet.
Mainnet will be the most important stage because mistakes in Devnet and Testnet can be fixed, but mistakes on Mainnet can cost a lot of money.
Difference between Devnet & Testnet
Answer: Devnet is often a place for developers to build Dapps or protocols in a test environment. Testnet is where users can participate in using protocols or Dapps that developers have built and give suggestions for the project.
Devnet and Testnet can be distinguished simply (incompletely) as follows:
- Devnets are often where developers build protocols & DApps.
- Testnet is often a place for users to experience those protocols and DApps.
Why is it necessary to have Devnet & Testnet?
Answer: Devnet and Testnet are parallel networks to the Mainnet of the blockchain, used for the purpose of developing and testing applications before running on the mainnet. Some reasons include:
- Protect data on mainnet: Devnet and Testnet help avoid the risk of data loss or security breaches when developing and testing applications on mainnet.
- Using Devnet and Testnet allows developers to test the functionality and reliability of the application before running it on Mainnet.
- Devnet and Testnet are free to use or at a lower cost than Mainnet.
- Devnet and Testnet allow developers to customize network setup and quickly deploy changes, increasing flexibility during application development and testing.
How many Devnet or Testnet networks does each network need?
Answer: Each network usually has one or more Testnet networks depending on the importance of the Mainnet and the needs of the development team. For example, Ethereum has many Testnet networks, but there are also cases like Solana that only has Devnet network without Testnet (later added).
Can money on Devnet and Testnet be withdrawn?
Crypto assets on the Testnet and Devnet networks cannot be withdrawn. However, at the present time, users can exchange Testnet ETH for Mainnet network but the rate is very high (this happens due to the need to own Testnet network ETH to participate in airdrops on Layer 2 platforms). .
Summary
Devnet, Testnet & Mainnet play important roles in all Blockchains. Hopefully through this article, everyone can understand more about what Devnet, Testnet & Mainnet are?
