From 45487a91f9faa1d5334b2f73077ece7bb05d7e21 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Greg Fitzgerald Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:37:42 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] Add more precision to testnet definitions and expectations (#7435) * Add more precision to testnet definitions and expectations * Apply review feedback --- .../running-validator/validator-testnet.md | 31 +++++++++++++------ 1 file changed, 21 insertions(+), 10 deletions(-) diff --git a/book/src/running-validator/validator-testnet.md b/book/src/running-validator/validator-testnet.md index 7d616a6e65..5f73f653c5 100644 --- a/book/src/running-validator/validator-testnet.md +++ b/book/src/running-validator/validator-testnet.md @@ -1,19 +1,30 @@ # Choosing a Testnet -As noted in the overview, solana currently maintains several testnets, each -featuring a validator that can serve as the entrypoint to the cluster for your -validator. +Solana maintains several testnets, each featuring a Solana-owned validator +that serves as an entrypoint to the cluster. Current testnet entrypoints: -* Stable, testnet.solana.com -* Beta, beta.testnet.solana.com -* Edge, edge.testnet.solana.com +* Stable: testnet.solana.com +* Beta: beta.testnet.solana.com +* Edge: edge.testnet.solana.com -Prior to mainnet, the testnets may be running different versions of solana -software, which may feature breaking changes. Generally, the edge testnet tracks -the tip of master, beta tracks the latest tagged minor release, and stable -tracks the most stable tagged release. +Application developers should target the Stable testnet. Key differences +between the Stable testnet and what will be mainnet: + +* Stable testnet tokens are not real +* Stable testnet includes a token faucet for application testing +* Stable testnet may be subject to ledger resets +* Stable testnet typically runs a newer software version than mainnet +* Stable testnet may be maintained by different validators than mainnet + +The Beta testnet is used to showcase and stabilize new features before they +are marked Stable. Application developers are free to target the Beta testnet, +but should expect instability and periodic ledger resets. + +The Edge testnet is intended for Solana protocol developers, not application +developers. It tracks the tip of the master branch, not any release. Regarding +stability, all that can be said is that CI automation was successful. ### Get Testnet Version