What is a crypto testnet? What is a crypto mainnet? What is the difference? Altcoin Buzz explains with examples using Ethereum and Matic.
They never progressed to the mainnet stage. It is very important to understand the difference between a testnet and a mainnet.
A testnet (Test Network) is an experimental network where developers can test, create, or modify functionalities and monitor the blockchain network performance.
They fix bugs and other kinds of network failures. The reuse test files ensure the accurate comparison between test runs. This sandbox environment enables the developers to take risks, experiment, and find out the best possible model, a stable version, to be implemented in the Mainnet. All these happen at scale in a controlled manner. Testnets ensure that Mainnet deployments happen faster.
Some blockchains (example: Ethereum) provide standard testing methodologies, tools, and certifications to accurately test complex networks at scale. It gives users confidence and is an integral part of the onboarding process, leading to adoption.
A mainnet (Main Network) is the final, most stable, and fully functional version of the blockchain.
Mainnets enable dApps to be launched for public use. They see an increased number of validators who are incentivized by tokens with real value. All transactions are live on the mainnet.
Projects with a mainnet are always considered more mature. It gives users the confidence that the project has put lots of effort and resources into the blockchain. This is because the mainnet has gone through rigorous evaluation processes before launching.
A testnet and a mainnet run independently. The testnet paves the way for the mainnet launch. Some projects leverage other blockchains to create their tokens. At the same time, they develop their mainnet. The Matic Network is a good recent example. Once the mainnet is launched, the old ERC-20 tokens are discarded, while the new ones are issued on the Matic mainnet. We will take this example to see how this journey works.
In November 2019, Matic launched its public incentivized staking testnet event “Counter Stake”. Validators earned mainnet MATIC tokens by showcasing technical skills and by practicing and competing with other validators.
Counter Stake had 3 stages:
Action: All validators run the Validator and Block Producer nodes, keep them synced with the given testnet, and understand the network. They also try deploying their testnet and experiment with the code.
Reward Pool: $40,000 worth of MATIC tokens
Action: Stage 1 started with ~30 nodes. The Matic Foundation controlled a majority stake in the testnet in week 1 of the program. In the subsequent weeks, there was an increase in the validator slots. Stage 1 also provided a mechanism to replace poorly performing validators with those on the waitlist.
Main testing features included are Staking, Unlocking rewards, Penalties, and Replacement strategies.
Stage 2 – The Grand Staking League
This is the final stage before the mainnet launch. Matic encouraged an all-out attack on the network at this stage.
The Matic Mainnet went live on the 31 May 2020.
Source: Matic Blog
All core blockchain projects need to be evaluated based on the performance of the mainnet. Even then cryptocurrency mainnets are not the final products. There are repeated updates or revisions to a particular functionality. It is therefore very important to understand a project’s development road map and compare that with what has been achieved. Also, listen to comments from the project partners to evaluate how the partners are using the chain.
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