What is Mainnet?

In the early days of blockchain technology, there were typically only two types of networks: the live, production network (now known as the mainnet) and the test network (now known as the testnet).

As the blockchain ecosystem grew and more specialized networks were developed, such as development networks (now known as devnets) and other specialized networks, the term “mainnet” became more widely used to refer specifically to the live, operational blockchain network.

What’s a devnet?
A devnet, short for “development network,” is a blockchain network that is specifically designed for developers to test and experiment with new code and applications. Devnets are often used to test new features and functionality before they are released on the testnet or mainnet. Devnets can also be used for training and educational purposes, as they provide a safe environment for developers to learn and experiment with blockchain technology without risking real assets or data.

For example, KYVE’s Korellia is a devnet network. Originally, Korellia was KYVE’s testnet, and was used for our incentivized testnet. However, after years of testing and modifications, the network became a great learning tool for the KYVE team in order to introduce a new testnet network that only includes the positive learnings, pushing Korellia down to a devnet level.

What’s a testnet?
A testnet is a separate blockchain network that is used for testing and experimentation. Testnets are typically designed to be identical to the mainnet in terms of functionality and code, but with a separate set of coins or tokens that have no real-world value. Testnets allow developers to test new applications, smart contracts, and other features without risking real assets.

An example of a testnet would be KYVE’s Kaon network. Kaon is a close replica of KYVE’s mainnet. In doing so, this allows us to create the perfect staging environment to ensure we don’t overlook certain risks or issues before pushing new features and updates onto mainnet.