Testnet

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A testnet, in the realm of cryptocurrencies, refers to a separate blockchain network specifically designed for testing purposes. It allows people involved in the crypto industry, such as companies, protocols, and blockchain networks, to experiment and evaluate their developments without risking real assets or interfering with the mainnet, the live blockchain network. Testnets simulate the functionalities of a blockchain network, enabling developers to identify and rectify any potential issues or vulnerabilities before deploying their projects on the mainnet. This testing environment serves as a crucial tool for ensuring the security, efficiency, and reliability of various crypto-related applications, including decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, smart contracts, and crypto exchanges. By utilizing testnets, developers can refine their innovations, enhance user experience, and mitigate potential risks, ultimately fostering the growth and advancement of the broader crypto ecosystem.

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Ethereum's Kentsugi testnet is deployed. (svetolk/iStock/Getty Images Plus, modified by CoinDesk)
What Ethereum’s Kintsugi Testnet Means for Proof-of-Stake
Kintsugi is a “longer-lived, public testnet” that will allow application developers and users to become familiar with a post-merge Ethereum environment.
Ethereum's Kentsugi testnet is deployed. (svetolk/iStock/Getty Images Plus, modified by CoinDesk)

IOTA uses the 'Tangle'
IOTA Takes a Step Closer to Decentralization With 2.0 DevNet
The IoT-focused network is gradually looking to remove its central Coordinator role.
IOTA uses the 'Tangle'

A robotics lab.
Nym Opens Up Staking in New 'Finney' Testnet to Counter Sybil Attacks
“You need to impose some kind of cost on the attacker to slow down or stop unwanted replication of attackers in your system.”
A robotics lab.

(Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash)
Coda Protocol Touts User Growth One Year Into Testnet
The O(1) Labs project thinks recursive zk-SNARKs are the key to more manageable blockchains.
(Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash)

Filecoin creator Juan Benet
Filecoin Pushes Back Final Testing Phase, Announces ‘Calibration Period’ for Miners
Filecoin has delayed the launch of its incentivized testnet by two weeks, providing a window for miners to test their set-ups.
Filecoin creator Juan Benet

(Michael Dziedzic/Unsplash)
Quantstamp Audit Greenlights Ethereum 2.0 Client Prysm for Launch
Ethereum 2.0 client Prysm is “basically ready” to launch, according to the audit firm's CEO Richard Ma in a phone call with CoinDesk.
(Michael Dziedzic/Unsplash)

Filecoin is entering the final phase of testing, ahead of a mainnet launch later this summer. (Credit: Shutterstock)
Filecoin Prepares for Network Launch With Final Testing Phase
Decentralized storage network firm Filecoin announced the launch of its Incentivized Testnet, the network’s final phase of testing, on Wednesday
Filecoin is entering the final phase of testing, ahead of a mainnet launch later this summer. (Credit: Shutterstock)

The Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn station in Berlin (Credit: Phaeton1 / Wikimedia Commons)
Schlesi Testnet Is Latest Step in Long Road Toward Eth 2.0
Ethereum clients are beginning to sync and validate a new Eth 2.0 testnet, Schlesi, ahead of the network's prospective launch in July.
The Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn station in Berlin (Credit: Phaeton1 / Wikimedia Commons)

code, notes
Coder Proposes Alternative to Bitcoin's 'Notoriously Unreliable' Testnet
Introduced Wednesday, a new proposal called Signet offers a fresh alternative to bitcoin's test network.
code, notes

Enigma CEO Guy Zyskind
Enigma Launches Second Testnet for 'Secret Contract' Blockchain
Ethereum developers can now start coding specialized smart contracts called "secret contracts" that leverage the Enigma protocol for data privacy.
Enigma CEO Guy Zyskind