by Hodler Ash 
When learning about cryptocurrency, there are often a lot of new terms thrown in that can often confuse you more than help you. One of these terms that you may have seen pop up when looking at cryptocurrency platforms is Testnet. So what is it, and what makes it different from the regular platforms?
A Testnet is essentially a platform where developers can work on their code and system before rolling out new developments. Each platform has its Testnet to try out features and allow systems to be rolled out with minimal errors or security risks.
Keep reading to learn more about how Testnets work and how they differ from a normal platform.
What Is a Testnet?
A Testnet is a blockchain that is separated from the normal blockchain. It does not influence the normal blockchain. There are separate coins that are not worth value and do not have to be purchased for real money. However, these coins can be traded.
Each platform has its own Testnet and Testwallet so that the software can be used by anyone who wants to use the actual platform. It is most often used by developers, though theoretically anyone can use a Testnet, and some people do use them to practice exchanging currency before actually investing money.
Purpose of a Testnet?
The purpose of a Testnet is to allow developers to test out their software and programs before implementing them on the actual blockchain. This allows developers to test out their new ideas and security measures without affecting the main platform.
In essence, this is a way for developers to beta test their work to make sure everything is working properly. They can also bring in outside parties to mess around with the software and search for any holes or issues in the programming. This is great because no one loses money if something doesn’t work properly, or the security measures aren’t fully in place.
The best part is that since each platform has its own Testnet, developers can practice on the Testnet that is associated with the platform they want to use. This makes sure that the particular platform and code work well together and there won’t be anything that gets mixed up when creating the program.
Once the testing is completed, the developers can then move their code over to the actual platform and use it as normal.
How Does a Testnet Work?
The Testnet works exactly like the normal blockchain. Some coins are mined, though they aren’t the normal coins. However, each platform has its own Testnet coins. These coins are not traded for money, and you can get as many coins as you want from a program known as a faucet.
This faucet is a system where people can mine the coins and give them away to anyone. They generally make their money from ads, and it costs no one anything but a little time as they watch these ads. Most of the time, the miners kindly ask that the developer or user return the tokens when done.
These Testnet coins can be ‘traded’, but they never leave the network. This is to test the trading system. Each platform has its Testnet, which allows for developers to test their code with that particular software for any errors or issues.
The best benefit is that although it is still a blockchain, it is a separate blockchain from the one where you can trade money. This means that if something goes wrong with the code that could affect the actual platforms, there are no repercussions or harm done.
Though it is mostly aimed at developers using the Testnet platform as a sandbox, people who want to get into trading can also use the software to experiment and get to understand how trading cryptocurrencies work, without risking any actual money. It’s a great idea if you are scared to make the first initial investments and are just unsure how the whole process works.
You don’t need a separate wallet to use the Testnet software either. You can just use a normal wallet and set it up so it connects with the Testnet instead of the Livenet. This allows users to also try out wallets and find one they like.
What Is the Difference Between a Testnet and a Mainnet?
The Mainnet (or Livenet) is the actual blockchain where you can trade money for cryptocurrency. The cryptocurrencies have actual value. This network can be accessed by the general public and everything is verifiable. The transactions are real and stored in the blockchain.
Tenets, on the other hand, is primarily a testing environment with fake transactions and coins that don’t have any economic value. Transactions are free as they are just for testing purposes, and there isn’t much economic benefit if any for using the platform.
To put it simply, the Mainnet is the basic network where everything runs. This is where people go to make a profit and buy cryptocurrency while the Testnet is a software to practice making new software before rolling it out to the public to make sure that most bugs are fixed.
Can Testnets be Used in a Scam?
Though developers are working to reduce the scams that can come from Testnets, it is still possible to be scammed. The most common practice is that someone will offer cryptocurrency for a low price as a ‘deal’ or a ‘favor’. The person being scammed will then trade money to get access to a wallet or might be told to make a Testwallet so that money can be transferred over.
Since these coins aren’t worth anything and can’t be traded, unsuspecting individuals can lose all of their money to receive worthless products. The best way to avoid this scam is to never allow someone else to make a wallet for you, or share a wallet with you.
What is Mining City?
Mining City is a platform that provides mining plans, giving users access to hash power and mining rewards. Hashpower is the computing power needed to generate cryptocurrencies.
Mining City users can buy crypto mining plans that give them access to hash power and mining rewards. Hashpower provided by Mining City is used to mine Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies.
Is Mining City Legit?
Absolutely! Mining City provides real hash power for users. Mining City also leaves banned markets and takes a compliant approach to new laws and regulations, adjusting to global markets. A good example of Mining City’s commitment to compliance is its recent implementation of KYC, AML, and other compliance check processes.
To learn more about Mining City, its products and services visit Mining City’s official social media portals on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube and Twitter. You can observe there what Mining City undertakes to adjust to new regulations and requirements and give Mining City your support in their efforts to become fully compliant.
