The wait’s over: DataHaven’s Testnet is live and ready for you to explore. Want to upload a file to a decentralized network? Organize data in buckets? Play with the app and see how it all works under the hood? You can do it all now. This guide shows you exactly how, even if you’ve never touched web3 before.
What Is Testnet (and Why Use It)?
In short, a Testnet is a safe, sandboxed version of a blockchain environment. Nothing is real, nothing costs real money, and everything is designed for experimentation. You can:
- Create buckets
- Upload files
- Test storage flows
- Try the DataHaven interface
All with free tokens and zero risk.
What’s a Faucet?
Before you interact with the Testnet, you’ll need Testnet tokens. These are not real tokens. Rather, they’re “practice funds” used for testing transactions.
A faucet is a tool that gives you these free Testnet tokens (ticker $MOCK). Think of it as a dispenser that hands out play money so you can try everything inside the system without spending anything. You’ll use faucet tokens to pay for things like creating a bucket or uploading a file inside DataHaven.
Step 1: Visit the Testnet App
Go to https://apps.datahaven.xyz/testnet
Here you’ll:
- Connect your wallet. DataHaven Testnet works with common wallets like MetaMask and others.
- Add the Testnet RPC. The app will prompt you to add the DataHaven Testnet network to your wallet.
- Sign a login message. This simply authenticates your session; it doesn’t grant permissions or move funds.
Once connected, you’re ready to get Testnet tokens.
Step 2: Request Free Testnet Tokens
Inside the app:
- Click Faucet
- Complete the captcha
- Click Request Tokens
You’ll receive a batch of $MOCK Testnet tokens. These cover the small fees associated with storage operations on Testnet. Again, none of this comes with real value; it’s all free, unlimited practice.
Step 3: Open DataHaven Testnet
Now go to: https://datahaven.app/testnet
DataHaven is where the actual storage interaction happens, like creating buckets, organizing files, and uploading or receiving data.
Once inside:
- Connect your wallet again
- Sign the login message
- Approve Testnet spending prompts
Why the prompts? Because storing files on DataHaven requires payment over time for the space you use. On Testnet, these approvals just allow the app to use your free faucet tokens.
Step 4: Create Your First Bucket
Buckets are containers that hold your files. They’re similar to folders, but at the storage network level. To create one:
- Go to Buckets
- Click Start
- Name your bucket (all Testnet buckets are public, so choose anything you like)
- Confirm the wallet transaction
In a few seconds, your new bucket will appear once it’s indexed.
Step 5: Upload a File
Now for the fun part.
- Click your bucket to open it
- Choose “Upload File”
- Select any file from your computer
- Confirm the storage request transaction
You’ll see your file appear with a status of “In Progress.” This means the file is being replicated across the network for durability. Replication may take a few minutes.
Even while replication is still happening, you can:
- View the file
- Download it directly
- Monitor its progress
Once replication finishes, the status will update automatically.
And That’s All, Folks!
You’ve successfully:
- Connected to the DataHaven Testnet
- Claimed free faucet tokens
- Opened DataHaven
- Created a bucket
- Uploaded and accessed a file
This is the core workflow of storing data on DataHaven. It’s simple, intuitive, and designed for anyone to use.
