Bitcoin: Understand the difference between testnets and Mainnets using PSBTS
As Bitcoin developers and users, we all met the terminology “Testnet” and “Mainnet”. Although the two refer to the underlying blockchain network, they are different in many ways. In this article, we will immerse ourselves on what it means that a testnet compared to Mainnet is written as a binary Tarball Scriptable Public (PSBT), explore their differences and discuss whether the cover of all cases by edge by The bias of unit tests on the Mainnet is sufficient.
Testnets vs Mainnets: What is the difference?
A testnet is a simulated blockchain network used by developers to test new features, networks or scripts without affecting the Mainnet live. It is essentially a copy of the Mainnet with some modifications or differences to facilitate tests and experimentation. Testnets is often created using tools like [Bitcoin-Testnet] ( or [Testnet-btcScan] ( The objective is to test the scripts, the wallets and the other components without having an impact on the Mainnet.
On the other hand, a Mainnet (also known as the production network) refers to the real blockchain network with which users interact daily. This is the implementation of the real world of Bitcoin, where transactions are verified by nodes around the world, and minors validate them using powerful computers.
PSBTS: a key component
Public scriptable binptible Tarballs (PSBT) are a file format used to represent smart contracts or scripts on the Bitcoin network. They contain serialized data for the sender and the receiver of a transaction in binary format, as well as metadata such as blocks of blocks and horodatages. PSBTs are essentially digital files that can be easily copied and glued to other contexts.
Testnets vs Psbt Mainnet: What is the difference?
Here is where things become interesting:
* Execution of the script : When you run a script on a testnet, he runs on a simulated blockchain environment. However, as the testnet is not the Mainnet live, this does not affect the actual execution of the script or the output.
* Node behavior : In a testnet, nodes are configured differently to simulate specific behaviors or constraints (for example, reduced transaction costs). This allows developers to test scripts that may require such personalizations on the Mainnet in the real world.
On the other hand:
* Mainnet PSBTS contain real Bitcoin transactions : When you create and run a script on the Mainnet, it includes all the information necessary to check and process transactions. Mainnet PSBS represent these transactions in binary format.
* Realistic behavior of the node : The Mainnet nodes are designed to interact with the Blockchain data from the real world, which means that they will behave differently during the execution of scripts. This can lead to more realistic results or to unexpected behavior.
covering the cases of edge through unit tests
Although Mainnet tests are essential to ensure that your script is working as expected, covering all cases by means of unit tests alone may not be sufficient. Here is why:
* The ones of the edge are unpredictable : Even with in -depth tests, you could miss critical edge cases that rarely occur or unexpectedly.
* Simulation in relation to the behavior of the real world : time tests are simulations, but the main nodes behave differently due to various factors such as transaction costs, block time and congestion of the network .
To make sure that your script is working properly on test tests and maint, it is essential to:
- Test on a variety of networks : Use different fabric tests (for example, [Bitcoin-Testnet] ( to simulate various conditions.
- Use real data
: During the Mainnet tests, use real blockchain data and transaction information to check the behavior of your script.
