A testnet is a trial version of a blockchain used to identify bugs and other issues.
Testnets are early prototype versions of blockchain networks that typically do not run with full capacity. The testnet is deployed by programmers to identify problems with the software or design of the blockchain prior to full deployment. Testnet participants use testnet tokens or coins to interact with the network. These assets don’t have monetary value but function in exactly the same manner as will mainnet assets upon mainnet launch.
Many protocols use incentivized testnets to increase participation on the testnet. For most incentivized testnets, winners receive mainnet assets to stake to their node post-launch.
When a network transitions from testnet to mainnet, it is typically considered to have gone live for use.
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Bison Trails is a blockchain infrastructure platform-as-a-service (PaaS) company based in New York City. We built a platform for anyone who wants to participate in 25 new chains effortlessly.
We also make it easy for anyone building Web 3.0 applications to connect to blockchain data from 33 protocols with Query & Transact (QT). Our goal is for the entire blockchain ecosystem to flourish by providing robust infrastructure for the pioneers of tomorrow.
In January, 2021, we announced Bison Trails joined Coinbase to accelerate our mission to provide easy-to-use blockchain infrastructure, now as a standalone product line. The Bison Trails platform will continue to support our customers. With Coinbase’s backing, we will enhance our infrastructure platform and make it even easier to participate in decentralized networks and build applications that connect to blockchain data.
