Testing of blockchains plays an essential role in their development. Solana and BlockDAG represent two different approaches to this task. Let's take a closer look.
Stages of Solana Testing
Solana's testnet, named Tour de SOL, was launched in Q3 2019. It demonstrated high speed and transaction processing capabilities, but did not cover all critical aspects necessary for stable blockchain operation. As a result, Solana faced several outages and emergency restarts during its operation.
BlockDAG's Approach to Testing
BlockDAG employs different methods, treating its testnet Awakening not as a trial run, but as a full rehearsal. The project engages real hardware to interact with the chain and includes important components such as account abstraction and distribution markers, helping to avoid risks faced by Solana.
What Does This Mean for Blockchain's Future?
The experience of Solana shows that speed can lead to problems if foundational components are neglected. Conversely, BlockDAG, by incorporating critical infrastructure during the testing phase, aims to minimize risks and prepare its network for launch without surprises. This may contribute to increased confidence in its technology.
The lessons learned from the testnets of Solana and BlockDAG highlight the importance of thorough preparation before launch. By considering the experiences of previously launched projects, BlockDAG can offer a more stable and reliable solution.