zkSync Testnet: a Quick Guide

Different Layer 2 solutions have sprouted in response to Ethereum’s scalability difficulties, which have been most pronounced due to the exponential growth of DeFi and NFT applications, causing network congestion and high transaction costs. Among these solutions is zkSync that offers a testnet: we at Cryptoset.gg have prepared a quick guide.

What Is zkSync airdrops ?

zkSync acts as a Layer 2 scaling solution that aims at providing quicker and cheaper transactions compared to Ethereum’s main blockchain (Layer 1). In order to reduce network congestion and lower transfer fees, zkSync moves most of its operations off Layer 1 while maintaining the security and finality of Ethereum.

Using zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup architecture, zkSync employs advanced technology to scale up transactions quickly.

Matter Labs: The Secret Behind zkSync

Matter Labs started the zkSync project in the summer of 2020. Headquartered in Berlin but primarily based in Europe, Matter Labs has been at the forefront of Layer 2 scaling and ZKP since at least 2019.

Matter Labs is focused on creating the first EVM-compatible general-purpose Solidity application zero- knowledge rollup without any regard for outrageous gas prices or performance limitations.

With heavyweights like Blockchain Capital, Dragonfly Capital, and a16z backing the firm, Matter Labs has raised over $400m so far for its ambitious plans.

zkSync vs Competing Solutions

In a competitive space, other Layer 2 solutions like optimistic rollups such as Arbitrum and Optimism as well as other alternative style solutions like Starkware are competing with zkSync.

While offering better on-chain execution speeds, enhanced security measures and improved scalability than optimistic rollups including but not limited to zkSync require more computational resources. On top of this fact however, zk-rollups are trailing behind when it comes down to EVM compatibility where zkSync is in pole position.

On paper, Starkware is known to have better scalability in computational speed and size compared to zkSync. Nevertheless, the EVM compatibility possessed by zkSync makes it a preferred option for developers who are looking for an easy integration into existing Ethereum applications.

To sum up, Matter Labs’ commitment to innovation with substantial investment behind it makes zkSync a visible answer to Ethereum’s scalability issues. As the ecosystem matures, zkSync will gain an edge over other scaling L2 competitors due to its EVM compatibility and scalability benefits.

A zkSync Testnet: A Deep Dive

Development of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin heavily rely on testnet networks which serves as a separate playground for testing without interfering with their underlying networks.

Specifically, a zkSync testnet network is a replica of the full blockchain design of a cryptocurrency, having two main objectives:

1. Protocol testing: Development teams can use zkSync era testnet networks in order to experiment with changes to the cryptocurrency’s protocol that they want to make in the future. Developers can therefore perform checks on new features, improvements or updates before releasing them on live network that may expose them to mistakes or vulnerabilities.
2. Integration testing: External developers can leverage zkSync era testnet networks so as to seamlessly integrate their protocols into their applications and do thorough tests at no cost. The above facilitates branding off applications that communicate with the cryptocurrency’s blockchain, hence ensuring compatibility and functionality prior to deployment.

Just as with products, cryptocurrencies are also tested extensively to guarantee that they work according to plan. These testnet networks provide the invaluable resources developers need to cross check the suitability of any system modifications in terms of effectiveness, security and efficiency before being rolled out to a larger audience.

A zkSync testnet faucet  is a tool that drips tokens to anyone for free, and you can benefit from that!

Characteristics of Testnet Networks

Testnet networks (including zkSync, that offers a zkSync testnet faucet)  are very important tools in the hands of developers who want to try and test various cryptocurrency protocols in a controlled environment. It is paramount for one to have knowledge about the characteristics of testnet networks so as to ensure that blockchain solutions are effective when tested and validated. Below are some of these key characteristics.

• Different cryptocurrency: zkSync alpha testnet networks use their own cryptocurrency which is a clone of the asset on the original chain. This feature makes sure that activities performed on the testnet do not have any effect on public blockchains maintained by original cryptocurrencies.
• Mainnet isolation: zkSync testnet rpc networks operate independently from the main blockchain network, where they live within a confined test environment. In this regard, developers can make changes to any code without having to worry about disrupting the main blockchain.
• Unique genesis blocks: There exist slight differences between genesis blocks in testnet networks and those in mainnets. These variations place marks inside blocks and coins generated therein that prevent them from being added into operational chains. Therefore, this keeps the assets of TestNet from those of MainNet so as to mitigate fraud.
• Mining difficulty set: The mining difficulty algorithm used in zkSync testnet rpc networks has an upper limit beyond which it cannot increase further. Consequently, it becomes relatively easy for people interested in mining cryptocurrencies on such platforms to mine them, thus rendering these digital assets worthless.

This feature ensures that environments meant for testnets put more emphasis on testing and development rather than mining processes.

• Functional similarity: With the exception of mentioned slight differences, all other elements found at testnets remain equivalent to those available at related main nets, respectively. This equivalence helps guarantee that works done on the testnets accurately reflect what will happen when these functionalities are placed on their respective mainnets.

In addition, consistency and reliability across both environments can be achieved, thereby reducing discrepancies and enabling smooth transitions from the testing phase to the final deployment process.

Conclusion

We at Cryptoset.gg are sure that sevelopers need to understand the distinct characteristics of zkSync alpha testnet networks in order to carry out comprehensive testing and validation of cryptocurrency protocols.

By utilizing testnet environments effectively, developers will be able to identify and solve any potential issues, thus ensuring that blockchain solutions are reliable and robust before they are deployed on the mainnet. And, of course, mere users can benefits of testnets as well.