Understanding What Mainnet Is: The Main Network of Blockchain

When a blockchain project goes from paper to reality, a crucial moment occurs: the mainnet launch. But what exactly does it mean that it is the mainnet, and how does it differ from other states of a network?

Definition and Difference between Mainnet and Testnet

The mainnet is simply the fully operational and deployed version of a blockchain protocol. It is where real cryptocurrency transactions are transmitted, verified, and recorded on a distributed ledger, and it is the place where end users send and receive authentic digital assets.

On the contrary, the testnet functions as a simulator. It is a testing environment where developers experiment with all the features of the network before deeming it safe and ready for live operations. Think of the testnet as a laboratory: vulnerabilities are identified, performance is optimized, and bugs are fixed before the time comes to go “live” with the mainnet.

The Previous Path: How a Mainnet is Born

Before launching the mainnet, most blockchain projects raised funds through Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) or Initial Exchange Offerings (IEO). These mechanisms allowed startups and new projects to collect capital to finance development.

In 2017, during the ICO boom, many startups chose to issue tokens based on standards like ERC-20 on the Ethereum network. Investors received these tokens in their wallets according to their contribution during the fundraising phase. The capital raised was allocated to the actual development of the protocol, which was then extensively validated on the testnet.

Once the team considered the network ready —with all errors resolved and performance validated— they proceeded with the launch of the mainnet with its own native coin, replacing the initial ERC-20 token.

The Mainnet Swap: The Change of Identity

The most interesting transition point occurs during the mainnet swap. In this process, the initially issued ERC-20 tokens are exchanged for the native coins of the new blockchain. After completing this change, the unused tokens are generally destroyed, leaving only the main network coin in circulation.

Although Ethereum and its ERC-20 standard dominated the ICOs of that era, other blockchain platforms such as Stellar, NEM, NEO, TRON, and Waves also offer their own mechanisms for issuing digital tokens and launching mainnets.

Why Mainnet Matters

Understanding what a mainnet is fundamental for anyone interested in cryptocurrencies. A mainnet represents the real commitment of a project: it is the step from a prototype to an operational solution where authentic transactions occur. Differentiating it from a testnet helps you understand the lifecycle of a blockchain and why developers invest time in validating every aspect before putting a system into production.