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Devnet & Testnet Blockchains

While developing blockchain applications, there is a need for development and testing environments that simulate the mainnet without the risk of using real assets. These environments allow developers to test smart contracts, dApps, and other blockchain applications safely.

Table of Contents


What are Devnets and Testnets?

Devnet (Development Network)

  • Purpose: Closely mirrors the mainnet for development and testing
  • Stability: More stable than testnet, resets less frequently
  • Use Case: Primary development environment for most projects

Testnet (Testing Network)

  • Purpose: Used for testing network upgrades and new features
  • Stability: May reset more frequently, less stable than devnet
  • Use Case: Testing upcoming releases and network changes

MultiversX Networks

MultiversX Devnet

Purpose: Primary development environment for MultiversX applications

Features:

  • Closely mirrors mainnet functionality
  • Stable environment for development
  • Regular resets for clean testing
  • Full smart contract support

Access:

Configuration:

mxpy config set proxy https://devnet-gateway.multiversx.com
mxpy config set chainID D

MultiversX Testnet

Purpose: Testing environment for network upgrades and new features

Features:

  • More experimental than devnet
  • Used for testing protocol upgrades
  • May have different features than mainnet
  • Less frequent resets than devnet

Access:

Configuration:

mxpy config set proxy https://testnet-gateway.multiversx.com
mxpy config set chainID T

Ethereum Networks

Purpose: Primary testnet for Ethereum application development

Features:

  • Stable environment for testing
  • Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism
  • Similar to mainnet in functionality
  • Long-term support

Access:

  • Explorer: sepolia.etherscan.io
  • RPC URL: https://sepolia.infura.io/v3/YOUR_INFURA_KEY
  • Chain ID: 11155111
  • Currency Symbol: ETH

Configuration:

// MetaMask or other wallet
Network Name: Sepolia test network
RPC URL: https://sepolia.infura.io/v3/YOUR_INFURA_KEY
Chain ID: 11155111
Currency Symbol: ETH
Block Explorer: https://sepolia.etherscan.io

Holesky Testnet

Purpose: Testing validation and staking features

Features:

  • Focus on validator testing
  • Staking protocol testing
  • Network upgrade testing
  • More experimental than Sepolia

Access:

  • Explorer: holesky.etherscan.io
  • RPC URL: https://holesky.infura.io/v3/YOUR_INFURA_KEY
  • Chain ID: 17000
  • Currency Symbol: ETH

Goerli Testnet (Deprecated)

Purpose: Legacy testnet (being phased out)

Status: Deprecated in favor of Sepolia and Holesky Note: Still functional but not recommended for new projects


Solana Networks

Solana Devnet

Purpose: Primary development environment for Solana applications

Features:

  • Closely mirrors mainnet
  • Stable for development
  • Regular airdrops available
  • Full program support

Access:

Configuration:

solana config set --url https://api.devnet.solana.com

Solana Testnet

Purpose: Testing network upgrades and new features

Features:

  • Used by Solana core team
  • Testing upcoming releases
  • Network performance testing
  • Validator behavior testing

Access:

Configuration:

solana config set --url https://api.testnet.solana.com

Solana Localnet

Purpose: Local development environment

Features:

  • Runs on your local machine
  • Complete control over the environment
  • No network dependencies
  • Perfect for unit testing

Configuration:

solana-test-validator
solana config set --url localhost

Network Comparison

FeatureMultiversX DevnetMultiversX TestnetEthereum SepoliaEthereum HoleskySolana DevnetSolana Testnet
PurposeDevelopmentTestingDevelopmentStaking TestingDevelopmentNetwork Testing
StabilityHighMediumHighMediumHighMedium
Reset FrequencyRegularLess FrequentRareRareRegularLess Frequent
Faucet Available
Explorer
Wallet Support
Smart Contracts
Recommended forMost DevelopmentProtocol TestingMost DevelopmentValidator TestingMost DevelopmentCore Testing

Getting Test Tokens

MultiversX Faucets

Devnet Faucet:

  1. Visit devnet-wallet.multiversx.com/faucet
  2. Connect your wallet or create a new one
  3. Request testnet eGLD tokens

CLI Faucet:

mxpy wallet faucet --proxy https://devnet-gateway.multiversx.com

Ethereum Faucets

Sepolia Faucets:

  1. Alchemy: sepoliafaucet.com
  2. QuickNode: faucet.quicknode.com/ethereum/sepolia
  3. Chainlink: faucets.chain.link/sepolia

Holesky Faucets:

  1. Holesky Faucet: faucet.holesky.ethpandaops.io

Solana Faucets

Web Faucet:

  1. Visit solfaucet.com
  2. Enter your wallet address
  3. Request test SOL tokens

CLI Faucet:

# For Devnet
solana config set --url https://api.devnet.solana.com
solana airdrop 2 <your-wallet-address>

# For Testnet
solana config set --url https://api.testnet.solana.com
solana airdrop 2 <your-wallet-address>

Best Practices

Development Workflow

  1. Start with Devnet/Testnet: Always begin development on test networks
  2. Use Local Networks: For unit testing, use local networks when possible
  3. Test Thoroughly: Comprehensive testing before mainnet deployment
  4. Monitor Network Status: Check for network maintenance or issues

Security Considerations

  1. Separate Wallets: Use different wallets for testnet and mainnet
  2. Never Mix Networks: Keep testnet and mainnet environments separate
  3. Verify Networks: Always double-check which network you're using
  4. Backup Testnet Keys: Even testnet keys should be backed up securely

Network Selection Guide

For Development:

  • MultiversX: Use Devnet
  • Ethereum: Use Sepolia
  • Solana: Use Devnet

For Testing:

  • MultiversX: Use Testnet for protocol testing
  • Ethereum: Use Holesky for staking tests
  • Solana: Use Testnet for network testing

Inspect the Networks

Explore these testnet explorers to see the differences:

MultiversX:

Ethereum:

Solana:

What to Observe

When inspecting these networks, notice:

  • Transaction volumes: Testnets typically have lower activity
  • Token values: All tokens are "fake" and have no real value
  • Network features: Some features may differ from mainnet
  • Block times: May be different from mainnet
  • Gas fees: Usually much lower or free on testnets

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE

All tokens on devnets and testnets are "fake" tokens. They are only used to mock the real tokens on the mainnet and have no real value. Never send real cryptocurrency to testnet addresses, and never use testnet private keys for mainnet wallets.