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Introduction of Ethereum Testnets

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When we create a project or write a code on Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and deploy it on Ethereum mainnet for demo or test, cost can be high in terms of both network usage increase and financial cost upheld due to payment of ‘Gas’ in form of Ether. Code once deployed to mainnet is a permanent part of blockchain and bugs are forever open for exploitation unless fixed. This brings out a need for a simulation of actual Ethereum blockchain whose token may be valueless and code can be tested before it is deployed in original blockchain. This stimulated blockchain of Ethereum is called an Ethereum Testnet

Core advantage of testnet hence is ability to deploy your code and check for vulnerabilities, errors, and complete testing phase without any financial burden on developer and extra transactions on the mainnet. 

Connecting to a Testnet : 

Ether tokens that can be transacted on mainnet private and public addresses can be sent to same address of testnet as well. Be extra careful not to send tokens of mainnet to testnet. Here are two popular ways to transact to Ethereum testnet –

1. MetaMask :

  • In the top-left of MetaMask, you can select an Ethereum network.
  • Switch from the Main Ethereum Network to Goerli (or other testnet) and you should see your balances and transaction history update of that network.
  • Now, when you create a transaction using MetaMask, it will be transacted to network you have selected.

 

2. MyEtherWallet :

  • MyEtherWallet and MyCrypto similarly allow you to select an alternate network.
  • Select your network in top right of screen.
  • After this all transactions and contract calls are conducted on network that you have chosen.

 

Acquiring Ether for Testnet : Ether for testnet is mostly acquired through faucets of that particular testnet. In some cases, only developers have right to share Ether tokens. Below is a comparison of some of most popular testnets  – 

1. Ropsten :

  • Proof of Work
  • Not immune to spam attacks
  • Supported by geth and parity
  • Chain Id: 3
  • Network Id: 3
  • Block time: sub-30 seconds
  • Faucet: Ropsten testnet is deprecated so, Faucet link is not working.

2. Kovan :

  • Proof of Authority
  • Immune to spam attacks
  • Supported by geth and parity
  • Chain Id: 42
  • Network Id: 42
  • Block time: 4 seconds
  • Faucet: Kovan testnet is deprecated so, Faucet link is not working.

3. Rinkeby :

  • Proof of Authority
  • Immune to spam attacks
  • Supported by geth and parity
  • Chain Id: 4
  • Network Id: 4
  • Block time: 15 seconds
  • Faucet: Rinkeby testnet is deprecated so, Faucet link is not working.

4. Sokol :

  • Proof of Authority
  • Immune to spam attacks
  • Supported by geth and parity
  • Chain Id: 77
  • Network Id: 77
  • Block time: 5 seconds
  • Faucet: The Sokol testnet is currently lacking validators so, Faucet link is not working.

5. Goerli :

  • Proof of Authority
  • Immune to spam attacks
  • Supported by multiple clients like Geth, Pantheon, Nethermind, and Parity
  • Chain Id: 5
  • Network Id: 5
  • Block time: 15 seconds on average
  • Faucet: https://goerlifaucet.com/

Most of the Ethereum testnets are deprecated. So if you want to deploy your Smart Contract on Ethereum testnet, always use Goerli Faucet to get some test Ether and deploy your Dapp’s on Goerli testnet.

Goerli Faucet :-  

Goerli Faucet


Last Updated : 07 Mar, 2023
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