Definition
A testnet is a separate blockchain network used only for testing and experimentation. It mimics the behavior and rules of a main blockchain but uses tokens that have no real-world value. Developers and projects use a testnet to deploy and check their code, transactions, and configurations without affecting the main network or risking actual funds.
In Simple Terms
A testnet is a practice version of a blockchain. It looks and behaves like the real network, but the coins on it are fake and free. People use it to try out apps, contracts, and changes safely before putting anything on the real blockchain where money is at stake.
Context and Usage
The term testnet appears frequently in blockchain development, quality assurance, and protocol research. It is associated with environments where new features, contract logic, or network settings are tried out before mainnet release. Different blockchains can have multiple testnets, each aligned with specific software versions, virtual machines, or ecosystem needs, and are commonly referenced in documentation and developer tools.