Networks

Preview vs Preprod

Two Cardano testnets. Preview moves faster and matches the latest node; Preprod mirrors mainnet parameters. Pick one and stick with it for the whole build — your wallet, Blockfrost/Koios project, and dApp must all be on the same network.

Preview

Fast-moving testnet aligned with the latest node release. Best for hackathon builds.

Network magic
2
Address prefix
addr_test1...
CIP-30 networkId
0 (testnet)

Shorter epochs (1 day). Frequent resets. Match your Blockfrost/Koios project to the preview network.

Preprod

Pre-production mirror of mainnet parameters and epoch length. Best for integration testing before mainnet.

Network magic
1
Address prefix
addr_test1...
CIP-30 networkId
0 (testnet)

5-day epochs like mainnet. Stable, longer-lived contracts. Match your provider to preprod.

Which one for the hackathon?

Default to Preview — faster epochs mean less waiting for confirmations and the faucet is more generous. Move to Preprod only if you need mainnet-shaped epoch timing or if you plan to promote the dApp to mainnet later.