Testnet

A testnet, in the realm of cryptocurrencies, refers to a separate blockchain network specifically designed for testing purposes. It allows people involved in the crypto industry, such as companies, protocols, and blockchain networks, to experiment and evaluate their developments without risking real assets or interfering with the mainnet, the live blockchain network. Testnets simulate the functionalities of a blockchain network, enabling developers to identify and rectify any potential issues or vulnerabilities before deploying their projects on the mainnet. This testing environment serves as a crucial tool for ensuring the security, efficiency, and reliability of various crypto-related applications, including decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, smart contracts, and crypto exchanges. By utilizing testnets, developers can refine their innovations, enhance user experience, and mitigate potential risks, ultimately fostering the growth and advancement of the broader crypto ecosystem.

Tech

The Protocol: ETH’s Fusaka Upgrade Goes Live on Hoodi, Mainnet Next

Also: BOB Unveils BTC Vault Liquidation Engine, Ledger’s Major Overhaul and Google Weighs In on Quantum Computing.

By Margaux NijkerkOct 29, 2025

Tech

Ethereum’s Fusaka Upgrade Completes Final Hoodi Test Ahead of Mainnet Launch

With all three tests done, developers will finalize the date that Fusaka will go live on mainnet, tentatively aiming for December 3.

By Margaux NijkerkOct 28, 2025

The forthcoming Ethereum upgrade, Fusaka, is partly named after Osaka, a city in Japan (Wikipedia)

Tech

Ethereum to Close Its Largest Testnet, Holesky, After Fusaka Upgrade

Fusaka is set to make Ethereum rollups cheaper and faster by spreading out the “data storage work” more evenly across validators.

By Shaurya MalwaSep 2, 2025

Tech

Bitcoin DeFi Project BOB Launches BitVM Bridge Testnet

The testnet debuts with support from a host of major crypto firms who will be operating nodes on the BitVM bridge, such as Lombard, Amber Group and RockawayX

By Jamie CrawleyJul 2, 2025

Tech

The Protocol: Ethereum’s Final Pectra Test Goes Live

Also: Hyperliquid Eases Token Transfers for DeFi With Integration Between HyperCore and HyperEVM; Celo Migration to Layer-2 Network Is Done, Bringing in New Era for the Blockchain; Bitcoin DeFi Expansion Faces Fork Dilemma as Developers Explore ZK Proofs

By Benjamin SchillerMar 26, 2025

Tech

Ethereum’s Final Pectra Test Goes Live on Hoodi Network

The upgrade is the last of three tests, and developers previously agreed they would schedule Pectra 30 days from Wednesday if the test ran smoothly.

By Margaux NijkerkMar 26, 2025

Ethereum blockchain symbol abstract crystal

Tech

The Protocol: Meet Hoodi, Ethereum’s New Testnet

Also: Microsoft Raises Alarm of Malware Targeting Crypto Wallets; Halliday Raises $20M for AI Protocol; Sam Altman's World and Razer Want to Defeat Gaming's Bot Problem.

By Margaux NijkerkMar 19, 2025

Robots (Unsplash/Sumaid pal Singh Bakshi/Modified by CoinDesk)

Tech

Ethereum to Sunset ‘Holesky’ Testnet in September

The deprecation plan comes after Holesky fell offline due to a faulty test of Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra update.

By Margaux NijkerkMar 19, 2025

Tech

Hello, Hoodi: Ethereum Welcomes a New Testnet

Ethereum's 'Pectra' upgrade will be tested on Hoodi following buggy attempts on other testnets, Holesky and Sepolia.

By Margaux NijkerkMar 17, 2025

Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum co-founder (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

Tech

Ethereum Developers Postpone Pectra Upgrade Following Buggy Tests

After two buggy tests, Ethereum's developers have decided to spend a bit more time collecting data on the highly-anticipated Pectra upgrade.

By Margaux NijkerkMar 6, 2025

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