Mainnet

Mainnet (short for main network) is the live, production version of a blockchain where real transactions are recorded and coins carry real monetary value. When a blockchain project moves from development to mainnet launch, mining the network becomes meaningful and block rewards have real value.

Mainnet vs. testnet

	Mainnet	Testnet
Coins	Real value	No value (test coins)
Transactions	Permanent, immutable	Temporary, for testing
Purpose	Production use	Development and testing
Mining	Rewarded with real coins	Rewarded with worthless test coins

Why mainnet matters for miners

Before a project launches its mainnet, running a node or miner on the testnet is purely for testing purposes. Once mainnet goes live:

• Block rewards have real market value
• Mining the network contributes to its security
• The coin can be listed on exchanges and traded

Some projects run a mining period before mainnet (pre-mainnet mining), which may or may not result in transferable coins — always check the project's terms.

See also

• Blockchain
• Block