Bitcoin Testnet vs Regtest - Reading Assignment

Bitcoin Programming 101
#221

1.What is testnet in Bitcoin?
Testnet is a simulation of the Bitcoin main network:
Developers can do test transaction checks which makes it possible to run test function.

What is regrets mode?
It’s like the testnet with the same basic rules but with the difference that regtest allows us to create instantly and when we wish it, a new block on our own computer.

What is the advantage and disadvantage of each?
The advantage of testnet is that you can do very realistic test trials before you run the application on the main Bitcoin network.
Testnet’s disadvantage is its slowness, i.e it takes time to get the desired test results.

Regtest’s advantage is that you can create a new block immediately, so you can test your application much faster. Which is certainly more advantageous for the intial development. The disadvantage is that you cannot test under real conditions.
For the final test’s, the Bitcoin testnet is better suited.

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#222

1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
In contrast to the main bitcoin network (mainnet), the testnet allows the Bitcoin developers to develop and test their codes without spending valuable satoshis.

2. What is regtest mode?

Regtest mode is the Bitcoin Core’s regression test mode that allows developers to create new private block chain that can interact with the testnet so that the developers will have complete control of the network such as creating a new block, or skipping a certain number of blocks to test block reward amount awarded after a pre-defined number of blocks.

3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each?

  • Testnet advantage: develop programs without potentially losing valuable bitcoin / satoshis

  • Testnet disadvantage: may not be up to date with the actual bitcoin protocol if the testnet version is not equivalent or compatible with the mainnet

  • Regtest mode advantage: fully controllable environment such as generating new blocks, simply to determine the outcome of the codes we are working on (like stepping into methods in debug mode)

  • Regtest mode disadvantage: may not reflect potential bugs that other users may create by interacting with our code

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#223

Testnet usually has never features than mainnet for obvious reasons. Softforks for example get enabled way sooner on testnet, even sooner on regtest. :slight_smile:

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#224

  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    This is a test network where some restrictions are relaxed to facilitate the testing of functions, and where satoshis have no real-world value (like they do in mainnet).

  2. What is regtest mode?
    Regression test mode allows us to to instantly create a new private blockchain with the same basic rules as testnet, but enabling us to choose when to create new blocks, effectively providing complete control of the environment.

  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each?
    testnet advantages: random peers and blocks, relaxed restrictions
    testnet disadvantages: must use faucets to get satoshis

regtest advantages: new blockchain, very fast, solo environment, complete control
regtest disadvantages: only first 150 blocks pay reward of 50 bitcoins

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#225

  1. Testnet is an environment similar to mainnet but with relaxed restrictions, where developers can test their applications including functions that might be disabled into actual mainnet.

  2. Regtest mode stands for regression test mode and lets you basically run your own version of the blockchain without peers. You have complete control over the environment.

  3. One clear disadvantage of testnet is that you have to wait for transactions to be propagated and blocks to be produced roughly every ten minutes. But it is an environment similar to mainnet with other users and under network conditions / interactions.

On regtest you can choose when to produce a block and have full control over the environment. This comes with downsides as well because it has its limitations, you also have to test among peers and in a full network environment.

So I believe that applications are first built on regtest, thoroughly tested in a controlled environment, then moved to the testnet so they can be tested under network conditions / stress and different users.

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#226

Is there a way to start a new regtest blockchain? I ask as I generated too many blocks, and would like to start from genesis again. Thank you for any help!

#227

You can remove the data directory and run the commands again:

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Data_directory

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#228

Just to make sure I’m doing this correctly…within my Bitcoin folder I’m meant to delete the ‘regtest’ folder? TY

image

#229

Yes or you can remove the entire folder, it will be recreated when you start the client.

#230

Thank you, Alko!! Your help with this was very much appreciated - I hope to pay it forward sooner than later:)

#231

What is testnet in Bitcoin?

Testnet is Bitcoin’s test network. The BTC on this network has no real financial value. It is a system which developers can use to use test apps without using real (and expensive) BTC.

What is regtest mode?

Regtest is a smaller private BTC test network, which developers can use. It has fewer nodes, participants, and blocks. This is a simpler network for testing apps, and is preferred by many developers. Users of regtest mode can choose when to make new blocks, and they have greater control of the network environment. There is no need to wait 10 minutes for new blocks to be made.

Regtest mode requires 100 confirmations, and this means that 100 blocks are required before the BTC of the first block can be spent. This is why, when starting to use regtest mode, the command to make a new address can be followed by the number 101. There is a block made which results in 50 BTC, and 100 blocks which are added, to that the BTC of the first block is usable. In regtest, only the first 150 blocks give 50 BTC, which is different than the main net.

What is the advantage and disadvantage of each?

Testnet provides a more realistic network environment for testing, because it is more similar to the real world use of main net.

Regtest provides a simpler network environment, in which new blocks can be made when the developer wants. This is means less demands on the user’s internet data use, and greater control of the network environment. Since there is no need to wait 10 minutes for new blocks to be made, regtest is generally also faster.

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#232
  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?

The test network is a network in which worthless satoshis can be traded. The network requires an internet connection.

  1. What is regtest mode?

The Regtest network runs only on the local computer and does not require an internet connection.

  1. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each?

Testnet Pro: I can run tests without affecting the Bitcoin mainnet.
Performs real simulation on the Bitcoin network.
Testnet Con: Waiting times when testing

Regtest Pro: As it does not require a connection to the internet, testing can be done without speed restrictions and other delays.
Regtest Con: It is not a realistic network when it comes to speed and certainly needs to be tested on the testnet before release.

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#233

What is testnet in Bitcoin?

Testnet is a testing tool designed to let developers test their applications. Users can get free satoshis and the satoshis spent have no real-world value

What is regtest mode?

Regtest mode is used for situations where interaction with random peers and blocks is unnecessary or unwanted. User can create a brand-new private block chain with the same basic rules as testnet and have complete control over the environment.

What is the advantage and disadvantage of each?

The advantage of Testnet is that it is the real environment, hence the applications tested are realistic. The disadvantage of Testnet is that it will be subjected to the same transaction speed of Bitcoin block chain.

The advantage of Regtest is that the test can be done in a controlled environment, whereby blocks are self created. Customization is possible and there is no need to wait and depend on the real Bitcoin block chain. The disadvantage of Regtest is that it is not in the real environment so the results may not be accurate or realistic.

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#234

  1. A place where you can test functions and the satoshi’s have no real world value.

  2. a place where you can choose when to create new blocks on the blockchain with the same basic rules as testnet.

  3. The advantage of testnet is the simplicity if you want to conduct fast transactions to test. The disadvantages would be the lack of being able to build anything and testing.

The advantage of regtest would be the flexibility to create and test new projects on the blockchain. The disadvantage would be the lack of simplicity.

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#235
  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    A network used by developers to use their bitcoin node for TESTING purposes, in this mode, you can deploy any code you are currently working on and test it against other test-nodes in a reduced risk environment.
  2. What is regtest mode?
    A local network mode that allows the node to create his own private blockchain for testing purposes.
    This mode does not need to be connected to internet, since its designed to run only on your computer without communication with other nodes.
  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF)
    Advantages:
    Testnet - is safer and cost free and you are able to test functions without enabling it on the main net.
    Regtest - doesn’t require peer to peer to operate it
    great learning environment to learn about testing applications, and inputs and outputs and gaining complet control within this space.
    create new blockchains on demand

Disadvantage
Testnet can be slow to create new blocks and to process transactions
Regnet does not provide any real world application since it cant communicate with other nodes.

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#236

  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    A test net is an environnement that you can use to make some development on the network without risking loosing any satoshis.

  2. What is regtest mode?
    A regtest mode is an environment for testing inside your own cpu, all the aspects of the blockchain are created on your computer.

  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF)**

The testnet give you an idea of a real world blockchain with free satoshis, it helps to really have the feel of the real network. A regtest is good to have testing on a close environement, you can control any aspect of the testing. Both are good options on the financial side because they are free !

#237
  1. Testnet in Bitcoin is test-blockchain network with relaxed restrictions and where satoshis have no real world value that can be used for development and testing out functions.
    2.Regtest mode is a private local testing environment where you can generate blocks and satoshis for development, but you have control of parameters for testing.
  2. The testnet advantage is that it is a simulated experience of the mainnet, but the disadvantage is that it runs on mainnet speed which is not the fastest and you have to find a way to faucet satoshis to use.
    The regtest advantage is that you create a private local blockchain so you have complete control over the speed and testing on functionality in that environment, but the disadvantage is that it does not simulate the real block chain.
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#238

  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    Bitcoin test net allow’s dev’s to test there apps with reduced risk an limitations & @ cheaper fees/sats.

  2. What is regtest mode?
    A regression test mode allows you to create a new private blockchain, with the same basic rules as testnet. so u have complete control over the environment + adding new blocks as u choose.

  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF)
    TestNet-Pro Real Time mainnet experience, Con- Higher fees ,limitations & restriction’s
    Regtest-Pro cheaper fees,controled environment ,create new blocks & private chains.
    Con Unrealistic environment

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#239

  1. test-net is a public test-net with real world nodes. Peer to peer connections are used.

  2. Regtest is a private testnet running on your pc only.

  3. Advantage of Regtest is speed.
    Disadvantage of Regtest is inability to test network functions.

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#240

Answers

  1. The testnet in Bitcoin is an exact replica of the mainnet blockchain, which allows you to test new applications.

  2. Regtest mode is you create your own node on your computer and can create a blockchain instantly, which is also a way to test new applications using fake bitcoin.

  3. The advantages of the testnet is that you can have the same blockchain as the mainnet and disadvantage is that its more time consuming. The advantages of the regtest is that its time efficient and disadvantages is that it won’t be a replica of the mainnet blockchain.

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