Mainnet VS Testnet - alxspiker/Pi-Developer-Handbook GitHub Wiki

Pi Mainnet

The Pi Mainnet is a blockchain developed by Pi Network, with Pi serving as its native cryptocurrency. Its unique mining mechanism prioritizes diverse contributions to the network's growth and sustainability rather than simply computational power. Pioneers' Pi balances, initially held in their mobile Pi accounts, are migrated to their Mainnet wallets upon successful KYC verification.

Roadmap

The Mainnet phase has two periods:

  • Firewalled Mainnet (Enclosed Network)

    • Launched on December 28, 2021.
    • Live Mainnet with a firewall preventing external connectivity.
    • KYC'ed Pioneers can freely transact Pi within the Pi Network (Pioneer-to-Pioneer, Pioneer-to-App).
    • Pi apps can switch from Testnet to Mainnet.
    • Restrictions:
      • No connectivity to other blockchains or crypto exchanges.
      • Mainnet access only through Pi Wallet and Pi Browser apps.
      • Only Core Team Nodes operate on the Mainnet.

  • Open Mainnet (Open Network)

    • Launch is contingent on Enclosed Network ecosystem maturity and KYC progress.
    • Firewall removed, enabling external connectivity (wallets, other networks).
    • APIs become un-firewalled.
    • Pioneers can run their own Pi Nodes.
    • Community Nodes can operate on the Mainnet.

Mainnet vs. Testnet

Feature Mainnet Testnet
Purpose Live blockchain for real Pi transactions. Testing environment for apps and transactions.
Cryptocurrency Uses real Pi with value. Uses Test Pi (test-π) with no value.
Transactions Irreversible. Reversible.
Connectivity Initially restricted, later open. Isolated.
Nodes Initially Core Team only, later decentralized. Community Nodes can operate.
Accessibility Pi Wallet/Browser for KYC'ed Pioneers. Developers.

Pi Testnet (Additional Notes)

  • Ideal for developers to refine Pi apps before Mainnet deployment.

Sandbox (Local Environment)

  • Utilizes Pi Testnet and a local app instance.
  • Strictly for development and testing.
  • Requires a registered URL in the app's Developer Portal page.
  • See Pi SDK for setup instructions: SDK Reference

Pi Wallet

  • Operates on both Mainnet and Testnet.
  • See Pi Wallet page for details: Pi Wallet

Important Links