Chain

The CROSS Chain Network consists of interconnected computers that communicate using the CROSS Chain protocol. While only one main network exists on the CROSS Chain, developers can create independent networks that follow the same protocol rules for development and testing purposes. These isolated networks adhere to the protocol but do not interact with one another, allowing developers to run them locally for testing smart contracts and Web3 apps.

CROSS Chain accounts can be used across various networks, but balances and transaction histories on the main CROSS Chain network are not shared with other networks. For testing, it's useful to know which networks are available and how to obtain test CROSS Coins. For security reasons, it is generally discouraged to use mainnet accounts on testnets or vice versa.

Basic Knowledge

Before diving into the CROSS Chain network, it's important to understand the basics of blockchain networks similar to Ethereum. Test networks allow you to safely and affordably experiment with blockchain functionality.

Public Networks

Public networks are accessible by anyone over the internet. Anyone can read and submit transactions and interact with the network. Consensus among peers determines which transactions are included and the overall state of the network.

CROSS Chain

The mainnet is the primary public production blockchain of CROSS Chain, where transactions of real value are recorded on a decentralized ledger.

When people talk about the price of CROSS Coin, they are referring to the CROSS Coin on the CROSS Chain mainnet.

CROSS Testnet

In addition to the mainnet, there is a public testnet. The testnet is used by protocol developers and smart contract developers to test upgrades and smart contracts in a production-like environment before launching to the mainnet. It's analogous to a staging server in traditional software development.

Smart contracts should always be thoroughly tested on the testnet before being deployed to the mainnet. Most dApps integrate with existing smart contracts and often have deployed copies on the testnet as well.

Most testnets start with a permissioned consensus mechanism, where a few nodes validate transactions and create new blocks. Some testnets may use an open proof-of-stake mechanism similar to the Ethereum mainnet, where anyone can be a validator.

Testnet

Testnet is the recommended default test network for application development. It uses an approved set of validators and, being relatively new, has minimal network history and state. This allows for faster synchronization and requires less storage, making it easier for users to run their own nodes and interact with the network directly.

Key Features of the Testnet Network:

Controlled by an approved set of validators, clients, and the testing team
Fewer applications deployed compared to other testnets
Fast sync and minimal disk space required to run a node

This kind of environment provides everything necessary for effective testing and development on the CROSS Chain.