Network Overview (Mainnet / Testnet)

Somnia provides two distinct environments for developers and users: Mainnet and Testnet (Shannon). Both serve different purposes in the ecosystem, and knowing when to use which is essential for building and deploying applications effectively.

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Somnia Mainnet

The Mainnet is the official production blockchain of Somnia. All transactions on this chain are final and irreversible and require SOMI tokens as gas.

Key Characteristics

• Real-value environment secured by Somnia’s validator set.

• Integrated with wallets, explorers, bridges, and infrastructure providers.

• Permanent and immutable transaction history.

• Designed for live dApps, end-users, and production-ready deployments.

When to Use Mainnet

• Deploying audited and tested smart contracts.

• Running dApps with real users and assets.

• Managing liquidity, staking, governance, or NFT projects.

• Partner integrations requiring security and finality.

Example

Deploy to Somnia Mainnet

# Deploying a contract to Somnia Mainnet
npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network somnia_mainnet

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Somnia Testnet (Shannon)

The Testnet is a sandbox environment that mirrors mainnet behavior but uses STT test tokens with no real-world value. It allows safe experimentation and rapid iteration without financial risk.

Key Characteristics

• Transactions use STT tokens, available via the faucet.

• Close-to-mainnet parameters for realistic testing.

• Safe for prototyping, debugging, and QA.

• Commonly used in workshops, hackathons, and developer onboarding.

When to Use Testnet

• Learning how to connect and deploy on Somnia.

• Prototyping features or building MVPs.

• Debugging smart contracts or dApp flows.

• Preparing for audits and production deployment.

Example

Deploy to Somnia Testnet (Shannon)

# Deploying a contract to Somnia Testnet
npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network somnia_testnet

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Quick Comparison

Feature	Mainnet (Production)	Testnet (Shannon)
Currency	SOMI (real value)	STT (valueless, faucet)
Purpose	Production deployments	Development & testing
Transactions	Permanent and irreversible	Experimental and disposable
Typical Use	Live dApps, DeFi, staking, NFT	Prototyping, QA, education
Risk	Financial impact possible	No financial risk

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Best Practices

• Start on Testnet: Validate contracts and flows on Shannon before mainnet.

• Audit before launch: Ensure contracts are reviewed and secure.

• Use separate configs: Keep .env files distinct for testnet and mainnet.

• Stay updated: Follow official announcements for upgrades and changes.

Tip: Treat Testnet as your safe playground and Mainnet as your production stage. Every project should pass through Testnet before moving to Mainnet.