Networks
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The æternity blockchain ecosystem consists of different networks that serve various purposes, from main network operations to development and testing. Each network type maintains the core features of æternity, including Bitcoin-NG consensus, state channels, oracles, and the FATE virtual machine, while serving specific needs within the ecosystem.
The æternity mainnet is the primary production network where real AE tokens hold economic value. Launched in November 2018, the mainnet implements all protocol features with full security measures in place. This network processes actual transactions, executes smart contracts, and maintains the authoritative state of the blockchain. The mainnet uses Cuckoo Cycle proof-of-work for consensus, with carefully calibrated difficulty adjustments to maintain consistent block times.
For developers building on æternity, several development network options exist. The most commonly used is the local development network, which developers can run on their own machines. These networks allow developers to test applications, smart contracts, and protocol features without spending real tokens or waiting for network confirmations.
Development networks can be configured with different parameters than the mainnet, such as faster block times or lower mining difficulty, to facilitate rapid development and testing. They support all mainnet features, including state channels and oracles, making them ideal for application development and testing.
The æternity testnet serves as a staging environment for testing applications and protocol updates before mainnet deployment. This network mirrors the mainnet's functionality but uses test tokens without real economic value. Developers and users can experiment with new features, test applications, and validate protocol upgrades on the testnet without risk.
The testnet maintains the same core architecture as the mainnet, including the Bitcoin-NG consensus mechanism and all protocol features. This ensures that testing conditions closely match production environments while providing a safe space for experimentation.
While all æternity networks implement the same basic protocol, they can differ in several aspects:
Genesis configuration determines the initial state of each network, including token distribution and protocol parameters. Mining difficulty varies between networks, with development networks typically using lower difficulties to facilitate faster block creation. Network parameters such as minimum fees, name registration costs, and oracle query fees may be adjusted for different network purposes.
When developing on æternity, it's important to consider the differences between networks. Code that works on a development network should be thoroughly tested on the testnet before mainnet deployment. State channel applications, in particular, should be tested across networks to ensure proper behavior under different network conditions.
The æternity protocol continues to evolve, with new features and improvements being developed. These changes typically follow a path from development networks through testnet validation before reaching mainnet deployment. This progression ensures that protocol updates are thoroughly tested and validated before affecting the main network.
Through this network structure, æternity provides a complete environment for both development and production use, enabling secure and efficient blockchain operations while supporting continued innovation and development.
For more information on how to set up a local development network or run the testnet, please refer to the section of our developer Tools section.
