This article briefly:
Ethereum core developer Tim Beiko said that developers are working on a new testnet called “Holli.”
Beiko pointed out that the way Goerli ETH was distributed became unreliable, leading to the current problems.
LayerZero Labs launched a test bridge to monetize the Goerli ETH testnet token.
Ethereum core developers hope to build a new testnet called Holesky, which will solve the testnet token distribution problem for developers currently using the Goerli testnet.
In a tweet on Feb. 23, Ethereum core developer Tim Beiko said developers are planning to launch a new testnet, Holli, later this year, which could be renamed “Holesky.”
The new testnet has become necessary because monetary value has been attached to the Goerli testnet tokens, which are supposed to be worthless, making it difficult for developers to use the testnet for free as intended.
Testnets are crucial to the development of Ethereum. Developers use them to test applications, upgrades, and software before deploying them on the mainnet.
Goerli Testnet
While Ethereum has multiple testnets, Goerli is one of the most important testnets because it is the first native multi-client testnet, which means that many active developers use it for their work.
Developer experience on the testnet has been hampered due to its token distribution model. Beiko said GoETH’s distribution method has become less reliable, leading to the current issues.
Currently, there are only a handful of validators responsible for distributing tokens which are primarily distributed through faucets.
However, the limited distribution caused some holders to hoard testnet tokens, limiting the supply for developers who needed the tokens to test applications on the network.
LayerZero’s GoETH market draws community criticism
To address this, LayerZero Labs has launched a test bridge that allows developers to swap ETH for GoETH at a price of $0.10. The company claims that developers will no longer have to wait for faucet providers and describes the bridge as a public good.
But some believe the test bridge finally creates a selling market for GoETH hoarders. This could further incentivize hoarders and exacerbate accessibility issues for developers who need tokens.
Smart contract developer Darpit Rangari pointed out that assigning real-world value to testnet ETH contradicts the fundamental definition of a testnet token. Rangari asked if this was a valid way to fairly distribute testnet tokens.
Simon Harman, founder of Chainflip, said:
“This will only incentivize more water vultures to drain the testnet tokens for personal gain, ending Georli’s viability as a testnet. Even if this is painful, gETH must remain worthless.”
