Bitcoin: Testnet vs Mainnet PSBTs

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Bitcoin: Understanding the Difference Between Testnets and Mainnets Using PSBT

As Bitcoin developers and users, we have all heard of the terminology “testnet” and “mainnet.” While both refer to the underlying blockchain network, they are different in many ways. In this article, we will take a deep dive into what it means to have a testnet vs. a mainnet written as publicly scripted binary tarballs (PSBT), explore the differences between them, and discuss whether it is sufficient to cover all edge cases through unit testing on the mainnet.

Testnets vs. Mainnets: What’s the Difference?

A testnet is a simulated blockchain network used by developers to test new features, networks, or scripts without affecting the live mainnet. It is essentially a copy of the mainnet with some modifications or differences to facilitate testing and experimentation. Testnets are often created using tools like [Bitcoin-Testnet]( or [testnet-btcscan]( The goal is to test scripts, wallets, and other components without affecting the mainnet.

On the other hand, a mainnet (also known as a production network) refers to the blockchain network that users interact with on a daily basis. It is the real-world implementation of Bitcoin, where transactions are verified by nodes around the world and validated by miners using powerful computers.

PSBT: A Key Component

Public Scriptable Binary Tarballs (PSBT) are a file format used to represent smart contracts or scripts on the Bitcoin network. They contain serialized data for both the sender and recipient of a transaction in binary format, along with metadata such as block hashes and timestamps. PSBTs are essentially digital files that can be easily copied and pasted into other contexts.

Testnets vs. PSBT Mainnet: What’s the Difference?

Here’s where things get interesting:

• Script Execution: When you run a script on a testnet, it runs in a simulated blockchain environment. However, since the testnet is not the live mainnet, this does not affect the actual execution or output of the script.

• Node Behavior: On a testnet, nodes are configured differently to simulate specific behaviors or restrictions (e.g., reduced transaction fees). This allows developers to test scripts that might require such customizations on the real-world mainnet.

On the other hand:

• Mainnet PSBTs contain real Bitcoin transactions: When you create and run a script on the mainnet, it includes all the information needed to verify and process transactions. Mainnet PSBTs represent these transactions in binary format.

• Realistic node behavior: Mainnet nodes are designed to interact with real-world blockchain data, meaning they will behave differently when running scripts. This can lead to more realistic results or unexpected behavior.

Covering edge cases with unit tests

While testing on the mainnet is essential to ensure your script works as expected, covering all edge cases with unit tests may not be enough. Here’s why:

• Edge cases are unpredictable: Even with thorough testing, it’s possible to miss critical edge cases that occur rarely or unexpectedly.

• Simulation vs. real-world behavior: Testnets are simulations, but mainnet nodes behave differently due to various factors such as transaction fees, block time, and network congestion.

To ensure your script works properly on both the testnet and mainnet, it is essential to:

• Test on a variety of networks: Use different testnets (e.g. [Bitcoin-Testnet]( to simulate different conditions.

• Use real-world data: When testing on the mainnet, use real blockchain data and transaction information to verify the behavior of the script.