Mainnet

The live, fully operational version of a blockchain where real transactions happen. Short for main network.

What is mainnet?

Mainnet, short for main network, refers to the live, fully functional blockchain network where actual transactions occur and native coins or tokens hold real value. It is the production version of a blockchain where real users interact, send cryptocurrencies, execute smart contracts, and use decentralized applications (dapps). Transactions on mainnet are permanent, irreversible, and recorded on a public distributed ledger.

The mainnet represents the final stage of a blockchain project's development, demonstrating that the blockchain is fully operational and functional. When people refer to networks like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Polkadot, they're talking about the mainnet versions where real economic activity takes place.

Core characteristics of mainnet:

Real value transactions: Transfers involve actual cryptocurrency with real-world monetary value
Permanent records: All transactions are irreversibly recorded on the blockchain
Production environment: The live network used by end users and developers for deploying dapps
Security priority: Employs robust security measures and consensus mechanisms to protect real assets
Economic incentives: Participants secure the network and earn real rewards (such as validators earning staking rewards)
Public transparency: All transaction data is publicly available on the distributed ledger

Mainnet acts as proof of a blockchain's functionality, serving as the backbone of the blockchain ecosystem where real value is held and transferred.

Why mainnet matters

The launch of a mainnet is a critical milestone for any blockchain project. It represents the transition from development and testing to actual production use, where the project must handle real users, real assets, and real-world conditions.

Significance of mainnet:

Credibility indicator: Mainnet launch demonstrates that a blockchain project is fully developed and operational, not just theoretical
Real-world utility: Enables actual use cases like payments, smart contracts, DeFi protocols, and NFT marketplaces
Economic activity: Creates a live network where users can exchange native tokens and interact in real time
Transparency and trust: All transactions are verifiable on the public ledger, ensuring accountability
Network effects: A functioning mainnet attracts users, developers, and projects that build value in the ecosystem
Investment milestone: Many blockchain projects conduct ICOs or token sales before mainnet launch, with tokens gaining actual utility and value post-launch

Before mainnet launch, blockchain projects typically raise funds through initial coin offerings (ICOs), initial exchange offerings (IEOs), or other fundraising methods. These funds support development of prototypes that are tested extensively before the mainnet goes live.

Mainnet vs testnet

Understanding the distinction between mainnet and testnet is crucial for anyone working with blockchain technology. These two environments serve complementary but distinct purposes:

Mainnet (main network):

Live production blockchain where real transactions occur
Uses cryptocurrencies and tokens with actual monetary value
Transactions cost real money in gas fees
Highly secure with strict oversight, as real funds are at stake
Prioritizes long-term reliability and stability
Upgrades are carefully planned and thoroughly tested before deployment
Used by end users for real-world applications and value transfer
Data is permanent and immutable
Each blockchain has its own genesis block that starts the mainnet

Testnet (test network):

Parallel blockchain network used for testing and development
Uses test tokens with no real-world value (obtained free from faucets)
Testing is completely free with no financial risk
Less secure and may be frequently reset or updated
Allows rapid iteration and experimentation
Used by developers to test smart contracts, dapps, and network upgrades
Data can be wiped or altered to refresh the testing environment
Mimics mainnet functionality but operates independently
Each testnet has its own separate genesis block

The relationship between mainnet and testnet is symbiotic. Testnet serves as a sandbox for experimentation and development, while mainnet showcases the finished product. Importantly, testnets and mainnets operate completely independently. Transactions on testnet do not affect mainnet, and vice versa. Assets cannot be transferred between the two networks.

Development workflow

Blockchain projects typically follow a structured development path before launching on mainnet:

Pre-mainnet stages:

Development phase: Teams build prototypes and core functionality in local development environments
Testnet deployment: Applications are deployed to testnet for initial testing and bug identification
Community testing: Beta testers from around the world interact with the application on testnet, providing feedback
Security audits: Independent audits identify vulnerabilities before mainnet deployment
Testnet iterations: Developers fix bugs, optimize performance, and refine features based on testing results

Mainnet launch:

Once testing is complete and the project demonstrates stable functionality on testnet, the team launches the mainnet version. This typically involves:

Deploying the final codebase to the mainnet
Conducting a genesis ceremony or initializing the network with validators
Onboarding initial users and partners
Gradually decentralizing control as the network matures

Even after mainnet launch, blockchain projects continue to evolve. Updates and new features are first tested on testnet before being deployed to mainnet through governance processes or network upgrades.