Bitcoin Testnet vs Regtest - Reading Assignment

Bitcoin Programming 101
#81

Excellent answer sir! really well documented! keep it like that please! :muscle:

Carlos Z.

#82
  1. Testnet is a network run by the bitcoin community that uses test coins that have no value but that otherwise function as real ones. It is used instead of mainnet when testing code. It is better to use testnet for testing code because one will not be spending real satoshis, and will also not lose any if a mistake is made.
  2. Regtest allows you to create your own private blockchain which does not rely on receiving blocks from the network. That way one need not wait for the next block when performing transactions.
  3. There may be some applications that specifically involve block creation, connection to peers, block propagation etc in which case it may be better to use testnet rather than regtest. However regtest may be desirable for other purposes, especially in order to avoid waiting an average of 10 minutes between every transaction. In addition, regtest coins are “mined” almost immediately and on ones own, without a network connection, whereas testnet coins have to be gotten from an external faucet.
1 Like
#83

What is testnet in Bitcoin?

Bitcoin’s development test network where satoshis do not have any actual value.

What is regtest mode?

Provides an environment within Bitcoin’s development test network where interaction
with random peers and blocks is unnecessary.

What is the advantage and disadvantage of each?

TESTNET Advantages

	Safer and cheaper to use Bitcoin’s test network (testnet) where the satoshis
    spent have no real-world value

	Relaxes some restrictions so functions which might currently be disabled by
    default on mainnet can be tested

TESTNET Disadvantages

	A faucet must be used to obtain free satoshis



REGTEST Advantages

	Allows the creation of new blocks by the developer at any time giving total 				 
    control of the environment


REGTEST Disadvantages

	Unlike mainnet, in regtest mode only the first 150 blocks pay a reward of 50
    bitcoins. However, a block must have 100 confirmations before that reward can
    be spent, so 101 blocks must be generated to get access to those 50 bitcoins.
1 Like
#84

2. What is regtest mode?

Quite close sir, but in regtest mode you do not connect with random peers, also blocks are necessary.
The regtest mode can be described as 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.

Hope this gives you a clear view of the subject, keep learning! :slight_smile:

If you have any doubt, please let us know so we can help you!

Carlos Z.

#85

  1. A testnet is network where you as a developer can test and verify your code without the need for being on the mainnet. In this testnet the satoshis/BTCs have no real value which means you cannot loose money if you are implemented functionalities wrong. But the testnet provides nearly the same functionalities as the mainnet.

  2. In contrast to the testnet which have the same functionalities as the mainnet (which means we have to wait 10 minutes for producing a block), you could also use a regtest mode. Within this mode you can create your own private blockchain where you can specify the environment (e. g. reducing the time for producing a block) but still have the functionalities of the testnet.

  3. In the Regtest mode you can speed up the development because you donÂŽt have to wait for confirmations of the block. But this environment is not realistic and maybe in more realistic environments your code will fail. In the regtest node there is only one participant which means there is no traffic from outside which might also affect the behaviour of your script.
    That why I would test my code first in the regtest, then on the testnet and only then release it to the mainnet.
    The testnet is more realistic than the regtest but you have to wait a long time for block confirmations and the testnet also allows to do things which are maybe not allowed on the mainnet which could affect your code in a bad way. On both test environments you also do not use real BTC and that means you cannot lose money.

1 Like
#86

Excellent answer sir! really well documented! keep it like that please! :muscle:

Carlos Z.

#87

1.) The testnet is a tool that allows developers to test the applications they design with reduced risk and limitations.

2.) Regtest mode is a tool that allows a developer to create a private blockchain in which the developer has total control over.

3.) Advantages of the testnet are that one does not have to risk any real bitcoin to test their applications and it is very similar to the mainnet. Disadvantages would be that you still have to wait for the blocks to be created just like on the mainnet, which is approximately 10 minutes
Advantages of the regtest mode are that you don’t have to wait for the blocks to be created because you have total control over the chain.But the disadvantage to this is that you can’t test any aspect of your application that would require a peer to peer connection.

1 Like
#88
  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    Testnet is a network running parallel to the mainnet, giving full simulation of the mainnet including real nodes, blocktimes etc.
  2. What is regtest mode?
    Regtest is a local blockchain running on own computer where you have complete and manual control of the issuence of blocks/transactions
  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF)
    Testnet gives a much more realistic environment - at the cost of speed and control of the code/setup you want to test
1 Like
#89

  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    Testnet basically allows someone to access the Bitcoin blockchain features as normal (mostly) with the exception that they are using fake satoshis. It allows developers to test in real time without cost.

  2. What is regtest mode?
    Regtest creates a private blockchain that provides a user with complete control over when blocks are created, etc. Regtest is preferred if you don’t need interaction with random peers and blocks.

  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF)
    The advantage of testnet is being able to test in an environment that replicates the mainnet and therefore give an accurate picture of exactly how things are working. The disadvantages may be wait times for transactions and not being able to mint your own coins in seconds.
    The advantage of regtest is being able to mint coins almost instantly for testing is transactions and so on. The disadvantage of regtest is perhaps not being able to connect with other peers when testing applications.

1 Like
#90

  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    A testnet is an environment to allow developers to learn and develop experimental stuff without effecting the mainnet. The good thing is that you can test with virtual satoshis/BTCs without the risk of losing your actual coins.

  2. What is regtest mode?
    Another test field for developers but you are creating your own local blockchain in your computer and you can experiment the bitcore core without connecting to internet. You do not need to wait for 10 minutes for producing a block because you are on your own centralized bitcoin blockchain.

  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each?
    Regtest mode allows your do to faster transactions and you can do it offline.
    Testnet is slower because it is on-chain and follows the ten minutes block rule, but it is performing closer to the public Bitcoin Blockchain.

1 Like
#91

What is test ethics in bitcoin?

Allows developers to test applications with reduced risk & limitations with Satoshi that have no real world value.

What is regtest mode?

Regtest allows developers to instantly create a new private Blockchain with same rules as testnet, but major difference you choose when to create blocks so you can have full control of the environment.

What is advantage & disadvantage of each?

Testnet similar to mainnet without the risk of using real Satoshi.

Regtest you can create your own environment without syncing with mainnet, but no real chain experience.

2 Likes
#92
  1. A testing environment of the bitcoin blockchain network wherein satoshis have no real value.
  2. A testnet mode in which the developer can generate a private blockchain and have control over when blocks are created.
  3. ADVANTAGES: If you make a mistake no real money (value) is lost and no forks of the mainnet chain can be accidentally created.
    DISADVANTAGES: You can’t really know ultimately how your application will behave until its on mainnet - testnet may not tell you everything that could happen. Your application may not behave the same way with regard to your private test blockchain as it does on the real chain
1 Like
#93

  1. Testnet is the test network of Bitcoin where you can interact with other testnodes with fake satoshis.

  2. Regtest mode is a fully private Bitcoin blockchain you are creating for your own use/testing. You are the only one acting in this test environment.

testnet advantages:

  • you can perform dangerous operations on a “real”-seeming environment, without fearing for your real mainnet wallet
  • having the block times of the mainnet you check your code twice before testing it (=potentially good for creating better code)

testnet disadvantages:

  • you have to wait for the next block (exactly as on mainnet)

regtest advantages:

  • you don’t have the waiting time for new blocks -> faster testing
  • you have a private blockchain and can create, test and recreate it as you want

regtest disadvantages:

  • since you have no waiting time for blocks you may oversee some failures (=when I know I have to wait for the next block I take more care to avoid evident coding failures) -> regtest should therefore be only the first step in the testing process for then to proceed on testnet
1 Like
#94
  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
  • it’s safer and cheaper to use Bitcoin’s test network where the satoshis spent have no real-world value.
  1. What is regtest mode?
    -Bitcoin Core’s regression test mode, with the same basic rules as testnet—but one major difference: you choose when to create new blocks, so you have complete control over the environment.
  2. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF)
    -Testnet is shared with the comunity, you do get free satoshi, but do not controll the environment. Regtest, allows for full control and speedup of blocks, but maybe too much control and no random interraction by otheers.
1 Like
#95
  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    Bitcoin core provides an environment to test out code you want to write without a potential loss of real bitcoin (differs of the mainnet). So a bug in the code could not result in a loss of BTC. This for safety reasons. Here you can interact with random peers and blocks during your work.
  2. What is regtest mode?
    This mode makes it possible to create an new private blockchain which gives you full control over the environment. You do not get slow down by interactions of random peers and blocks.
  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF)
    A testnet gives a more realistic set up when you code. Still it gives you less control over the environment comparing to regtest. The regtest space stands probably to far of the real main net but removes boundaries when you develop by giving full control over creating new blocks.
1 Like
#96
  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    A testing network separate from the main net where you can experiment with bitcoin without risking real money
  2. What is regtest mode?
    Its a testing environment using only your own network
  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF)
    Have to use network for testnet , but it is more like using the main net than regtest , since you have to interact with other peers. With regtest the disadvantage is that you dont connect with peers just your own network
1 Like
#97

  1. testnet allows for real world use - with relaxed rules and use of satoshi’s with no real world value. Its safer and cheaper.

  2. regtest- allows you to instantly create new blocks as you deem necessary.

  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF) - its not the real world. you’ve placed other controls like the ability to bypass certain rules and conditions to make your tests safe and unobtrusive. You clearly could be missing something you could have caught in production on the mainnet.

1 Like
#98

  1. testnet is a network with other people running tests. The test net acts like the real bitcoin network except the satoshis are dont have any real world value.

  2. regtest mode is a test net on your machine. does not effect the mainnet or the testnet.

  3. testnet is the place to go when you think you have the code ready for testing on the main net. you can try a heap of things out with free satoshis before going to the main net.
    the regtest mode is when you are just starting the development and you are debugging. Since you are not interacting with others it is easier to do unit testing of the application.

1 Like
#99

The link has changed to:
https://developer.bitcoin.org/examples/testing.html

  1. What is testnet in Bitcoin?
    online bitcoind testnet run by community

  2. What is regtest mode?
    Private blockchain regression test with same settings as testnet

  3. What is the advantage and disadvantage of each? (TRY TO THINK FOR YOURSELF)
    regtest can be much smaller and therfore easier to work with on a standalone basis.
    Testnet can come in when interactivity has to be tested.

1 Like
#100

  1. In Bitcoin, testnet is a test network where programmers can test their applications with reduced risks and limitations.

  2. Regtest mode is a local testing environment where someone can generate blocks for testing events and can create satoshis with no real world value.

  3. The advantages of testnet is that it is more like the real Bitcoin network and allows for more thorough testing because it can test aspects which need a network.

The advantages of regtest is that it gives the user more control, is faster and doesn’t require a real network.

1 Like