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Getting Started with SELF Chain (Testnet)

🚧 BETA NOTICE: These developer resources are currently in beta and under active development. Many features described here are coming soon. We're working hard to bring you a complete development experience!

⚠️ TESTNET WARNING: SELF Chain is currently in testnet phase. Do not use real assets or deploy production applications. Testnet tokens have no value and the network may be reset at any time.

Welcome Developers!​

Welcome to SELF Chain - a revolutionary blockchain powered by Proof-of-AI (PoAI) consensus. This guide will help you start building on our testnet.

🚧 Current Testnet Status​

  • Phase: Active Testnet
  • Network: May be reset periodically
  • Tokens: Test tokens only (no real value)
  • Stability: Expect occasional disruptions
  • Features: Core functionality available, some features in development

Prerequisites​

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • Rust 1.70 or higher
  • Node.js 18 or higher
  • Git
  • Docker (optional, for containerized development)
  • Basic understanding of blockchain concepts

Quick Start (Testnet)​

1. Clone the Repository​

git clone https://github.com/SELF-Technology/self-chain-public.git
cd self-chain-public

2. Set Up Testnet Configuration​

Create a testnet configuration file:

cp config/testnet.example.toml config/testnet.toml

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Never use mainnet keys or real funds on testnet!

3. Get Testnet Tokens​

Testnet tokens are available from our faucet:

# Coming soon - Discord faucet bot
# Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/WdMdVpA4C8
# Use command: !faucet <your_testnet_address>

4. Connect to Testnet​

// Example connection (JavaScript SDK - coming soon)
const { SELFClient } = require('@self-chain/sdk');

const client = new SELFClient({
  network: 'testnet',
  endpoint: 'https://testnet-api.self.app', // Coming soon
  // WARNING: This is a testnet endpoint - do not send real assets!
});

Understanding PoAI Consensus​

SELF Chain uses Proof-of-AI (PoAI) consensus, which is fundamentally different from traditional blockchains:

  1. AI-Block Builders create optimal blocks
  2. Voting Algorithm coordinates consensus
  3. AI-Validators determine the winning block

Learn more: Proof-of-AI Documentation

Testnet Limitations​

What You CAN Do on Testnet:​

  • ✅ Test smart contracts
  • ✅ Experiment with PoAI consensus
  • ✅ Build and test dApps
  • ✅ Report bugs and issues
  • ✅ Learn the SELF Chain architecture

What You CANNOT Do on Testnet:​

  • ❌ Use real cryptocurrency
  • ❌ Deploy production applications
  • ❌ Expect persistent data (resets may occur)
  • ❌ Rely on uptime guarantees
  • ❌ Transfer testnet tokens to mainnet

Development Workflow​

1. Local Development​

For local testing without connecting to testnet:

# Start local development node
cargo run --bin self-chain-node -- --dev

# This runs a local instance with:
# - Instant block production
# - Pre-funded test accounts
# - No real PoAI consensus (simplified for development)

2. Testnet Deployment​

When ready to test on the actual testnet:

# Build your application
cargo build --release

# Deploy to testnet (example)
self-chain-cli deploy --network testnet --contract ./target/wasm32-unknown-unknown/release/my_contract.wasm

3. Monitoring Your Application​

# Check transaction status
self-chain-cli tx status <tx_hash> --network testnet

# Monitor blocks
self-chain-cli blocks watch --network testnet

Available Tools & Resources​

Command Line Interface (CLI)​

# Install CLI
cargo install self-chain-cli

# View available commands
self-chain-cli --help

SDKs (Coming Soon)​

  • Rust SDK: Native Rust integration
  • JavaScript/TypeScript SDK: For web developers
  • Python SDK: For data scientists and researchers
  • Go SDK: For backend services

Documentation​

Common Testnet Issues​

Connection Problems​

# Check testnet status (Coming soon)
# curl https://testnet-api.self.app/status

# Expected response:
# {
#   "network": "testnet",
#   "status": "operational",
#   "block_height": 12345,
#   "warning": "This is a test network - do not use real assets"
# }

Faucet Issues​

  • Faucet limits: 100 TEST tokens per day per address
  • If faucet is empty, notify us on Discord
  • Test tokens have NO value

Network Resets​

  • Announced 48 hours in advance on Discord
  • All testnet data will be wiped
  • New genesis block created

Security Considerations for Testnet​

Even on testnet, follow security best practices:

  1. Never share private keys - even testnet keys
  2. Don't reuse passwords from other services
  3. Report vulnerabilities to security@self.app
  4. Test edge cases - help us find bugs!

Getting Help​

Community Support​

  • Discord: Join our community
    • #testnet-help - Technical support
    • #dev-general - Development discussion
    • #bug-reports - Report issues

Resources​

Contributing​

We love contributions! Even in testnet phase, you can:

  1. Report bugs - Help us improve stability
  2. Suggest features - Shape the future of SELF Chain
  3. Write documentation - Help others get started
  4. Build example apps - Show what's possible

See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.

Testnet Roadmap​

Current (Q1 2024)​

  • ✅ Basic PoAI consensus
  • ✅ Transaction processing
  • ✅ Developer tools
  • 🔄 Performance optimization

Next (Q2 2024)​

  • Advanced smart contracts
  • Enhanced developer SDKs
  • Testnet stability improvements
  • Public testnet explorer

Future (Q3-Q4 2024)​

  • Feature freeze for mainnet
  • Security audits
  • Load testing
  • Mainnet preparation

⚠️ Important Reminders​

  1. This is a TESTNET - Not for production use
  2. Test tokens have NO VALUE - Never buy/sell them
  3. Network may reset - Don't store important data
  4. Expect bugs - Report them to help us improve
  5. Have fun experimenting - That's what testnet is for!

Next Steps​

  1. Join our Discord
  2. Get testnet tokens from the faucet
  3. Try the Hello World Tutorial (Coming Soon)
  4. Build something amazing!
  5. Share your feedback

Welcome to the future of blockchain - powered by AI! 🚀

Remember: Testnet is for testing. Mainnet is for changing the world.