Key Insights:
- Blockchain development teams use testnets to collect user information before the launch of the mainnet.
- Testnet participants, particularly early ones, are rewarded tokens after the launch, making this a significant airdrop tactic.
- Real-life transactions are handled by mainnets, but testnets allow users to practice DeFi, NFTs, and bridging without using real money.
Crypto airdrops for beginners include testnets, which are where a blockchain team invites users to test the network before it is launched. Testnets are where users get to learn how to use various tools available on the blockchain, explore various decentralized applications, and carry out activities that are later rewarded through airdrops.
What Is a Crypto Testnet?
Testnets are the networks that allow people to experiment with a new technology without spending money. They use an identical copy of the main chain but do not give any value to the coins used for testing.
Testnets provide developers with a way to test new features, updates, and performance before launching them live on the main chain.
People can join testnets for free to see how a particular blockchain operates. A public test will allow the development team to receive feedback from users about usability, bugs, etc., before launching their project on the main chain.
What Is a Mainnet in Crypto?
The mainnet is the live version of the blockchain where actual transactions happen; therefore, they perform real transfers of cryptocurrency, executes smart contracts, and supports decentralized finance transactions. Making a mistake on the mainnet can result in loss of funds because you are dealing with real value.
Mainnets are utilized by traders, developers, and dApps. The mainnet is also the official final version of a blockchain that is made publicly accessible.
Mainnets vs Testnets: Key Differences
Mainnets employ genuine tokens with actual market value. Users incur genuine transaction fees when they send transactions and interact with smart contracts on a mainnet. Mainnets must meet both security and stability requirements.
Testnet tokens are duplicates of Mainnet tokens in terms of type, but testnet tokens also have no monetary value, as they are only meant to be used as test tokens for testing functionality free from risk.
To provide for side-by-side comparisons of Mainnet and Testnet data, Developers will use a Testnet as a way to enhance their application’s reliability through continued improvement of their application.
How Users Can Join Testnets?
To gain access to a testnet, users need to download a crypto wallet that is compatible with the test networks. MetaMask and Trust Wallet have options for users to change to different networks via their settings.
Once a user has connected to a test network, they are able to obtain free test tokens via a faucet. These test tokens provide functionality for sending transactions, using decentralized applications, and testing bridges and NFTs.
Certain blockchain teams have been known to create a structured testnet campaign. A specific task that a user may need to complete in the campaign is bridging an asset, providing feedback on the project, or using a testing application.
How Testnets Connect to Airdrops?
Testnets help new crypto airdrop participants access rewards for testing a project early. In particular, the activity conducted on these networks will show the blockchain teams that the user was involved with the project and that there is interest in participating in the project long term.
When tracking testnet usage, teams can determine the volume of transactions, how many wallets were used, and the activities performed using the smart contracts associated with the project.
After launching on its mainnet, there have been many instances where project teams are using testnet users to distribute their tokens.
The majority of projects have disclosed information about their testing phase, and testnet users should be encouraged to participate based on these announcements on X.
Safety Tips for Testnet Participation
Before signing up for testnets, users should check the official project links. There are many fake websites and phishing sites posing as the official ones, trying to steal your wallet information.
It is also best practice to create a separate wallet solely for use on testnets; do not store any real currency in testnet wallets. Always keep your seed phrases and private keys confidential.
Not all testnets lead to tokens/rewardable assets. Testnets are places where users can learn and places where communities can test together.
Final Thoughts
Blockchain networks use testnets as practice environments for developers to test upgrades. And for users, practice environments allow them to learn to use tools within the blockchain while avoiding financial risk.
Testnets are useful for beginner users of cryptocurrency and blockchain through airdrops, providing early access to new projects and ways to build on-chain activity.
When using testnets, it’s important that users verify the official sources of information regarding projects, use dedicated wallets with cryptocurrency to participate in projects, and use caution when assessing programs and campaigns that they would like to participate in regarding new blockchain networks.
