The third and final Ethereum testnet, Goerli, is now live. The test merge that made this possible took place around 9.50 pm ET on Wednesday. Goerli was the last of three public testnets before The Merge, the highly anticipated Ethereum switch from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS).
Goerli going live opens up the possibility of The Merge being advanced.
The details
The blockchain network completed the Ropsten test merge in June and Sepolia in July. The two previous testnet merges were successful and boosted the confidence of the Ethereum community.
The Goerli testnet merge is also a success but the final verdict will be determined after a thorough evaluation of the upgraded network.
With the completion of Goerli, the next step will be to implement The Merge on the Ethereum mainnet.
The Merge is supposed to make the network more energy-efficient and cheaper to use, and the test merges served as a kind of practice session. The test merges ensure that the client software used to run Ethereum nodes, such as Nethermind, Besu, Geth, and Erigon, are functioning normally and without bugs.
How are things evolving now?
The final upgrade is currently scheduled for September, but things could change now.
With crypto developers and ETH fans already eagerly anticipating the final Merge, the latest test merge caused ETH to rise by 7.52% yesterday. The crypto has also reclaimed a $225 billion market cap.
FAQs
Is there an Ethereum testnet?
Yes, Ethereum has several testnets for development and testing purposes. Here are some of them:
1. Ropsten: A proof-of-work testnet that mimics the Ethereum mainnet. It’s suitable for testing and development.
2. Goerli: A cross-client proof-of-authority testnet used by various Ethereum clients for development.
3. Rinkeby: A proof-of-authority testnet that’s also widely used for testing smart contracts and applications.
4. Sepolia: A public testnet for contract and application developers.
What is the best testnet for ETH?
The best testnet for ETH depends on your specific needs, but as of August 2023, Sepolia is recommended for Ethereum developers due to ongoing support from the Ethereum Foundation. Here’s a brief comparison:
1. Sepolia
>Recommended for developers.
>Ongoing support from the Ethereum Foundation.
2. Other Options
>Ethereum has multiple testnets like Rinkeby, Goerli, and Kovan.
>Goerli is another notable testnet with widespread usage.
What is the difference between Ethereum mainnet and testnet?
Mainnet vs. Testnet: Key Differences
>Mainnet: The live blockchain network for real transactions and value exchange.
>Testnet: A simulated environment for testing without actual monetary value.
Purpose and Characteristics
>Mainnet: Used for actual transactions and real-world value exchange.
>Testnet: An alternative environment to develop and test blockchain projects.
Main Differences in Brief
>Mainnet: Live, real-world use, actual value.
>Testnet: Simulation, testing, no real monetary value.
Development Lifecycle
>Mainnet: Indicates a project is ready for public use.
>Testnet: Used during development for testing and refinement[
How do you get Ethereum for testnet?
To get Ethereum for testnet, you can follow these steps:
>Infura Faucet: Utilize the Infura Faucet to obtain testnet ETH. The Coinbase Faucet, provided by Infura, allows you to request testnet Ether for various networks, including Goerli. You can access it directly from your wallet.
>MyCrypto’s Testnet Faucet: Another option is to use MyCrypto’s Testnet Faucet. Simply add an account to your MyCrypto wallet and request testnet Ether for the desired network.
>Online Faucets for Goerli: Connect your MetaMask wallet to the Goerli testnet and acquire Goerli testnet tokens from available online faucets.
