Introduction
Whether you're creating an NFT, deploying a smart contract, or developing the next big dApp on the Ethereum network, you have to pay a gas fees.
However, paying actual gas fees on the Ethereum blockchain during development can be very expensive. So it is recommended to use Testnet token or Devnet token during development.
This article discusses the different Testnet types of the Ethereum blockchain and provides 5 sources where you can request (fake) Testnet tokens for your Ethereum-based dApp development before deploying them to production.
What are gas fees? 💰
Gas fees, or transaction fees, are network fees for each transaction on the Ethereum blockchain, which are used to compensate miners for verifying transactions on the blockchain.
Blockchain miners are people who use software to solve transaction-related algorithms that verify and confirm blockchain transactions.
What is a Testnet token?
A Testnet token or coin is a fake version of the real cryptocurrency obtained from a faucet that can be used to pay Ethereum gas fees during development.
A crypto faucet is an app or website that offers users small amounts of cryptocurrency, in exchange for completing simple tasks like solving a problem. CAPTCHA (Fully automated public Turing test to distinguish computers from humans).
Testnet tokens obtained from a faucet are not real money and have no value.
Ethereum Testnet Types
There are different types of Ethereum testnets where we can develop and test our dApps before deploying them to the Ethereum mainnet. We will discuss the Rinkeby, Goerli, Ropsten and Kovan Test networks below:
1. The Rinkeby test network
Rinkeby is a proof of authority blockchain founded in April 2017 by the Geth team. It is an Ethereum Mainnet fork supported by the Geth Network, Nethermind Network, and Hyperledger Besu Network.
The Rinkeby Network is designed to test dApps during development before deploying them to the Ethereum mainnet.
The Rinkeby testnet is included in your Metamask wallet:
Block Explorer: explorer.anyblock.tools/ethereum/ethereum/rinkeby.
Website: www.rinkeby.io
2. The Goerli test network
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Görlialso known as Görli Testnet, is the first multi-client proof-of-authority Testnet for Ethereum introduced in September 2018. It is designed to run on multiple networks including Parity Ethereum, Geth, Nethermind, Hyperledger Besu (formerly Pantheon ). and EthereumJS.
It is also an open source Ethereum testnet that allows blockchain development to be tested before deployment on the Mainnet (the main Ethereum network).
The Goerli testnet is included in your Metamask wallet:
Block Explorer: explorer.anyblock.tools/goerli.
Website: goerli.net
3. The Ropsten test network
Ropsten The network is one of the first test networks (since 2016) to support Geth and Parity clients. It was based on proof of work and was the successor to the first testnet called “Morden”.
Ropsten uses the same algorithm as the Ethereum mainnet and is considered the original carbon copy of the Ethereum mainnet, making it ideal for development.
It suffered numerous cyberattacks between February 2017 and March 2017, which forced the team to stop the project, then restart it in April 2017.
The Ropsten testnet is included in your Metamask wallet:
Block Explorer: explorer.anyblock.tools/ethereum/ethereum/ropsten.
Website: faucet.ropsten.be
4. The Kovan Testnet
The Kovan testnet is a proof-of-authority testnet for Ethereum, originally launched by the Parity (now OpenEthereum) team in March 2017.
Much like the Rinkeby Testnet, Kovan is a fork of the Ethereum mainnet, making it ideal for Ethereum-based dApp developments.
The Kovan testnet is included in your Metamask wallet:
Block Explorer: explorer.anyblock.tools/ethereum/ethereum/kovan
Website: kovan-testnet.github.io/website
5 Places to Get Testnet Tokens
1. Chain Link Faucet
Chainlink (LINK) is a technology and cryptocurrency platform that allows non-blockchain businesses to securely connect to blockchain platforms.
The LINK Testnet also distributes Testnet tokens to cover transaction fees for testing purposes.
How to get Testnet tokens from Chainlink:
- Visit: taps.chain.link.
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Connect your wallet.
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Select your preferred network (i.e. Kovan).
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Make sure to switch your Metamask to the selected network.
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Solve the captcha
- Then click on the “Send me 0.1 testnet ETH” button.
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Wait for transaction confirmation:
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Your requested token will be credited to your wallet once the transaction is completed:
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Check your Metamask wallet for your new balance:
Networks supported by Chainlink: Ethereum Rinkeyby, Fuji Avalanche, BSC Test Network, Ethereum Görli, Ethereum Rinkeby, Fantastic testnet, POA Sokol NetworkAnd Mumbai Polygon.
2. Alchemy Faucet
“Alchemy’s goal is to be the starting point for developers considering building a product on a blockchain or traditional blockchain – techcrunch.com“.
They also distribute free Ethereum Rinkeby tokens that developers can use when developing their dApp.
How to get Alchemy Testnet Tokens:
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Visit the Alchemy Faucet Website.
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Copy and paste your Ethereum wallet address into the input box, then click the “Send me ETH” button as shown below:
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Then wait for the request to be processed, a screen like this will be displayed if the request is successful:
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Check your Metamask wallet for your new balance:
You can ask for more Rinkeby Tokens by creating an Alchemy account for free.
Alchemy Supported Network: Rinkeby only.
3. Computer Faucet
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Visit Computer Faucetand enter your wallet address.
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Select your preferred network and solve the CAPTCHA:
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Click the “Request Funds” button, and wait for your request to be processed:
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Check your Metamask wallet for your new balance:
!(Komputing faucet will credit your Metamask wallet with a free Testnet token)(https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1651999597614/dasgzUGdy.png align="left")
4. Kovan Gitter Chat Room
You can receive Kovan ETH using the Kovan Gitter chat room by joining the chat and sending your wallet address.
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You can join the chat with your GitHub, GitLab, or Twitter account:
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Next, copy and paste your wallet token into the chat, and your request will be processed:
5. MetaMask Ether Tap
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Visit MetaMask Ether Faucet.
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Click on the “request 1 ether from tap” button and connect your Metamask:
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After connecting your wallet, your wallet address and balance will be displayed. You can then request 1 ETH by clicking on the “request 1 ether on tap” button.
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Check your Metamask wallet for your new balance:
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If you have enough Ether in your wallet, you may receive the following error message:
The Metamask Ether Faucet does not distribute test tokens to wallet addresses with sufficient tokens.
Conclusion
The Testnet is a replica environment of the main blockchain that allows developers to test their blockchain applications.
The Testnet is a copy of a certain blockchain.
In this article we looked at four Ethereum test networks (Rinkeby, Goerli, Ropsten and the Kovan Test network) and where we can get their (fake) tokens for our Ethereum based dApp development.
This article is part of the Hashnode Web3 Blog, where a team of selected editors offers new resources to help you discover the world of web3. Visit us to learn more about NFTs, DAOs, blockchains and the decentralized future.