Understanding Mainnet: From Development to Full Deployment

When you hear blockchain developers talk about “mainnet,” they’re referring to the fully operational version of a blockchain network where actual cryptocurrency transactions occur and are permanently recorded on a distributed ledger. But mainnet didn’t exist overnight—it went through several critical phases before becoming live.

The Journey Before Mainnet Goes Live

Before any blockchain reaches mainnet status, it exists as a testnet (test network). Think of testnet as the rehearsal stage. Developers deploy their network in a sandbox environment where they can identify bugs, test features, and troubleshoot security vulnerabilities without any real financial consequences. Only after the team is confident that everything works correctly do they proceed to launch the actual mainnet.

This development pipeline typically follows a specific sequence. First, blockchain projects raise capital through an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), Initial Exchange Offering (IEO), or similar fundraising mechanisms. These funds fuel the development of prototypes and infrastructure. Then comes the testnet phase—sometimes lasting months—where all components are stress-tested. Finally, assuming the testnet performs well and critical issues are resolved, the team launches the mainnet version.

The ERC-20 Token to Mainnet Transition

A practical example illustrates this process clearly. During the 2017 ICO boom, countless blockchain startups chose to issue tokens on the Ethereum network using the ERC-20 standard rather than building their own blockchain immediately. Investors received these ERC-20 tokens in their wallets based on their contribution amounts. However, ERC-20 tokens were always meant to be temporary—a bridge until the project’s own blockchain was ready.

Once the mainnet launched successfully, teams initiated a process called the mainnet swap. ERC-20 tokens were exchanged for the project’s native coins on their proprietary blockchain. After this conversion, the old tokens were typically burned, ensuring only the new mainnet coins remained in circulation.

Beyond Ethereum: A Diverse Blockchain Ecosystem

While Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard became the most popular token issuance method, it wasn’t the only option. Other blockchain platforms like Stellar, NEM, NEO, TRON, and Waves also enabled token creation, offering projects alternative paths for launching on their respective networks before transitioning to their own mainnet.

The mainnet launch represents the transformation from concept to reality—when a blockchain project finally operates as an independent, fully functional network ready to serve real users and transactions.