Networks¶
Introduction¶
The Polkadot ecosystem is built on a robust set of networks designed to enable secure and scalable development. Whether you are testing new features or deploying to live production, Polkadot offers several layers of networks tailored for each stage of the development process. From local environments to experimental networks like Kusama and community-run TestNets such as Paseo, developers can thoroughly test, iterate, and validate their applications. This guide will introduce you to Polkadot's various networks and explain how they fit into the development workflow.
Network Overview¶
Polkadot's development process is structured to ensure new features and upgrades are rigorously tested before being deployed on live production networks. The progression follows a well-defined path, starting from local environments and advancing through TestNets, ultimately reaching the Polkadot MainNet. The diagram below outlines the typical progression of the Polkadot development cycle:
flowchart LR
id1[Local] --> id2[Westend] --> id4[Kusama] --> id5[Polkadot]
id1[Local] --> id3[Paseo] --> id5[Polkadot] A typical journey through the Polkadot core protocol development process might look like this:
-
Local development node - development starts in a local environment, where developers can create, test, and iterate on upgrades or new features using a local development node. This stage allows rapid experimentation in an isolated setup without any external dependencies
-
Westend - after testing locally, upgrades are deployed to Westend, Polkadot's primary TestNet. Westend simulates real-world conditions without using real tokens, making it the ideal place for rigorous feature testing before moving on to production networks
-
Kusama - once features have passed extensive testing on Westend, they move to Kusama, Polkadot's experimental and fast-moving "canary" network. Kusama operates as a high-fidelity testing ground with actual economic incentives, giving developers insights into how their features will perform in a real-world environment
-
Polkadot - after passing tests on Westend and Kusama, features are considered ready for deployment to Polkadot, the live production network
In addition, parachain developers can leverage local TestNets like Zombienet and deploy upgrades on parachain TestNets.
- Paseo - For parachain and dApp developers, Paseo serves as a community-run TestNet that mirrors Polkadot's runtime. Like Westend for core protocol development, Paseo provides a testing ground for parachain development without affecting live networks
Note
The Rococo TestNet deprecation date was October 14, 2024. Teams should use Westend for Polkadot protocol and feature testing and Paseo for chain development-related testing.
Polkadot Development Networks¶
Development and testing are crucial to building robust dApps and parachains and performing network upgrades within the Polkadot ecosystem. To achieve this, developers can leverage various networks and tools that provide a risk-free environment for experimentation and validation before deploying features to live networks. These networks help avoid the costs and risks associated with real tokens, enabling testing for functionalities like governance, cross-chain messaging, and runtime upgrades.
Kusama Network¶
Kusama is the experimental version of Polkadot, designed for developers who want to move quickly and test their applications in a real-world environment with economic incentives. Kusama serves as a production-grade testing ground where developers can deploy features and upgrades with the pressure of game theory and economics in mind. It mirrors Polkadot but operates as a more flexible space for innovation.
The native token for Kusama is KSM. For more information about KSM, visit the Native Assets page.
Test Networks¶
The following test networks provide controlled environments for testing upgrades and new features. TestNet tokens are available from the Polkadot faucet.
Westend¶
Westend is Polkadot's primary permanent TestNet. Unlike temporary test networks, Westend is not reset to the genesis block, making it an ongoing environment for testing Polkadot core features. Managed by Parity Technologies, Westend ensures that developers can test features in a real-world simulation without using actual tokens.
The native token for Westend is WND. More details about WND can be found on the Native Assets page.
Paseo¶
Paseo is a community-managed TestNet designed for parachain and dApp developers. It mirrors Polkadot's runtime and is maintained by Polkadot community members. Paseo provides a dedicated space for parachain developers to test their applications in a Polkadot-like environment without the risks associated with live networks.
The native token for Paseo is PAS. Additional information on PAS is available on the Native Assets page.
Local Test Networks¶
Local test networks are an essential part of the development cycle for blockchain developers using the Polkadot SDK. They allow for fast, iterative testing in controlled, private environments without connecting to public TestNets. Developers can quickly spin up local instances to experiment, debug, and validate their code before deploying to larger TestNets like Westend or Paseo. Two key tools for local network testing are Zombienet and Chopsticks.
Zombienet¶
Zombienet is a flexible testing framework for Polkadot SDK-based blockchains. It enables developers to create and manage ephemeral, short-lived networks. This feature makes Zombienet particularly useful for quick iterations, as it allows you to run multiple local networks concurrently, mimicking different runtime conditions. Whether you're developing a parachain or testing your custom blockchain logic, Zombienet gives you the tools to automate local testing.
Key features of Zombienet include:
- Creating dynamic, local networks with different configurations
- Running parachains and relay chains in a simulated environment
- Efficient testing of network components like cross-chain messaging and governance
Zombienet is ideal for developers looking to test quickly and thoroughly before moving to more resource-intensive public TestNets.
Chopsticks¶
Chopsticks is a tool designed to create forks of Polkadot SDK-based blockchains, allowing developers to interact with network forks as part of their testing process. This capability makes Chopsticks a powerful option for testing upgrades, runtime changes, or cross-chain applications in a forked network environment.
Key features of Chopsticks include:
- Forking live Polkadot SDK-based blockchains for isolated testing
- Simulating cross-chain messages in a private, controlled setup
- Debugging network behavior by interacting with the fork in real-time
Chopsticks provides a controlled environment for developers to safely explore the effects of runtime changes. It ensures that network behavior is tested and verified before upgrades are deployed to live networks.
| Created: October 16, 2024