Using the Testnet

Introduction

A testnet network is an almost identical copy of a blockchain that serves as an alternative specifically made for testing without affecting the operation of the original network (mainnet).

In this step-by-step guide I’ll show you how to connect to a testnet with Keplr and SecretCLI, receive tokens through a faucet, and interact with secret applications.

Set Up With Keplr

The easy way to use a testnet is via the Keplr wallet browser extension, you can install it and set it up by following this guide or this video.

Once you have saved your mnemonic phrase you can connect to the pulsar-3 chain.

• Go to https://keplr-connect-pulsar3.vercel.app and click on the Keplr button

• Click “approve” once the Keplr window pops up to add the chain config

And again to connect the website, and allow it to view your balances etc

• Now you should be able to see the Secret Testnet network on Keplr wallet by selecting it from the drop down menu. (verify that your Secret mainnet and testnet addresses coincide and start with “secret”)

You have now successfully added the Secret Testnet to your wallet and you’re ready to get your first tokens and experiment!

Faucet

The fastest and easiest way to get some test SCRT into your wallet is to use faucets which are tools that distribute a standard amount of tokens to a specific address.

Remember that all tokens on the Secret Testnet have no real value as they’re free to mint and they’re impossible to transfer to mainnet.

• Go to https://faucet.pulsar.scrttestnet.com/

In a matter of seconds you should be able to see 100 test SCRT on your Keplr balance.

Set Up SecretCLI

To have access to all the testnet functionalities and to develop you can connect using SecretCLI, a desktop client tool to interact with the blockchain from the console.

• Install and configure SecretCLI by following this tutorial

• Open your terminal and run the following commands to connect to pulsar-3 and add your wallet:

  Copy

  secretcli config node https://rpc.pulsar.scrttestnet.com
  secretcli config output json
  secretcli config chain-id pulsar-3
  secretcli keys add <a-name> --recover

• Paste your wallet’s mnemonic phrase when asked to do so

You can always change the parameters to connect to alternative APIs and testnets. You can find the full list of testnets, APIs, faucets and explorers on the official github repository.

Interact With Dapps

Once you have everything set up you can connect to protocols that have a public testnet URL available.

Here’s a table of the main ones:

Alternatively you can directly interact with their testnet secret contracts. Below are some of the main smart contract addresses available:

With Keplr you’ll need to approve a connection request for each protocol that you want to connect to. You can easily manage active website connections under “Manage Connections” in the Keplr settings.

Note: If you’re using secretcli view a full list of commands for Secret Contracts here.

Viewing Testnet Transactions

To view testnet transactions and contract interactions on the testnets you can use the [Ping Dashboard, a light explorer for Cosmos-based Blockchains. https://ping.pub pulsar-3.

• Ping Dashboard - pulsar-3

  • Ping Dashboard, light explorer for Cosmos-based Blockchains. https://ping.pub