Testnet node

What is a node?

Nodes - are computers connected to the network and ensure its operation. To be precise, nodes are software that allows you to interact with the network. Nodes play an important role in the blockchain, namely - confirmation of transactions and blocks, verification of blocks and, thus, ensure the security and smooth operation of the network.

What is a node in cryptocurrency in simple words

The basis of any digital money is a chain of blocks (Blockchain). It contains information on the number of coins issued and details of transactions.

Blockchain - distributed registry. A decentralized network is required for its operation. The basic elements can be computers, smartphones, virtual servers or ASIC mining devices. It installs software that supports a specific cryptocurrency. They are called nodes.

Such an element is correctly represented as an electronic wallet. Its database stores information on the number and movement of all cryptocurrencies of this type. Not just the data of its owner.

Specifics

The environment in which nodes exist is a peer-to-peer network. It allows different nodes to interact with each other. Common protocols in it include consensus on proof of work (PoW) and proof of ownership (PoS). Regardless of the choice of algorithms for the coin, it allows the transfer of information about new blocks and transactions.

Why do you need it?

In terms of blockchain node - the basic unit. There are decentralized networks that do not provide for the extraction of new coins (no miners) or use alternative means of information protection. However, the presence of nodes is a mandatory attribute of any cryptocurrency system. Depending on the specific blockchain, they perform the following functions:

Check compliance with the rules (consensus).

• They exchange information (about transactions and the amount of funds).
• Keep a copy of confirmed transfers.
• Detect incorrect transactions.
• Protect the integrity of the peer-to-peer network.
• Find new blocks.

Testnet

The development of major infrastructure projects is a very long process, where any shortcoming can lead to serious consequences, such as network breakage. That is why the developers in the early stages of testing the project use a special environment that allows you to eliminate deficiencies without any risks, check all the features and developments - test or test network.

Testnet or test network is a kind of "sandbox", almost identical version of the main network, which allows developers to test the necessary functionality without the use of real cryptocurrency and without any risks to the mainnet.

A Mainenet or core network is a ready-to-use network where real cryptocurrency transactions take place.

Varieties

Currently, there are a huge number of tests, ranging from technical, where participants are asked to help the project write a program or script for a possible reward, ending with testing the interface, when you need to look for possible bugs on a platform, make transactions using test tokens, etc.

According to the awards, test networks are divided into 2 types:

• Incentivized is when a project provides a reward for participants. These can be prizes in the leaderboard, as well as the reward of each participant, such as project tokens, allocation on sale, access to earlier versions of the program and more.
• Non-Incentivised - this is when a project does not promise anything, but rarely, but there are cases when projects without promising anything still thank their participants.

Why participate?

1. First, it is a great opportunity to take part in top projects in the early stages and receive an award for it.
2. Secondly, participation in various projects allows you to gain experience, which in the future will allow you to easily cope with such activities.
3. Third, it is an opportunity to become a validator in the core network, receiving a percentage of the commissions of processed transactions. This requires network users to delegate project tokens, and in some cases this is done by a team (usually hundreds of thousands of dollars). Examples are Solana, KiChain and Mina.