Testnet

From HandWiki
Short description: Testing software for blockchain

In blockchain technology, a testnet is an instance of a blockchain powered by the same or a newer version of the underlying software, to be used for testing and experimentation without risk to real funds or the main chain.[1] Testnet coins are separate and distinct from the official (mainnet) coins, don't have value, and can be obtained freely from faucets.[2]

Testnets allow for the development of blockchain applications without the risk of losing funds.[3]

A bug was discovered in the Bitcoin Core software that gave miners the ability to take down essential parts of the Bitcoin infrastructure (nodes) by sending a 'bad' block to the blockchain.[4]

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