# Zen Testnet

The Sia Foundation has made a test environment available for users wishing to test hardforks, software developments, and integration within the Sia ecosystem via the Zen Testnet.

The Zen Testnet offers a secure environment to experiment with `renterd`, `hostd`, and `walletd`and explore the capabilities of Siacoin without the risk of losing real Siacoins, but also with no real-world value.

## Running testnet

Running our software on the testnet is similar to running it on the mainnet. First, download the binary for [renterd](https://sia.tech/rent), [hostd](https://sia.tech/host), or [walletd](https://sia.tech/wallet) from our official website. Then, follow the same setup instructions for [renterd](/store-your-data/setting-up-renterd.md), [hostd](/provide-storage/setting-up-hostd.md) or [walletd](/wallet/setting-up-walletd.md), up until the point of running the software.

For Linux or macOS users, then simply run the software with the testnet runtime flag:

```
renterd --network=zen
hostd --network=zen
walletd --network=zen
```

Windows users can run the executable with a similar flag:

```
renterd -network=zen
hostd -network=zen
walletd -network=zen
```

## Funding your testnet address

With the availability of zSC, the [Zen Testnet faucet](https://zen.siascan.com/faucet) provides a convenient way to acquire zSC by simply providing your Sia wallet's address.

Once on the page, enter a Sia wallet address of either `renterd`, `hostd`, or `walletd` , then enter the amount of Zen Siacoins (zSC) you wish to fund that address with.

<figure><img src="/files/dBe4CkLdfJHE4pvjEXrA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Zen Testnet Faucet funding</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
It might take a minute or two for your wallet to be funded and for the transaction to appear in its transactions list.
{% endhint %}

## Block Explorer

Our web-based block explorer and analytics tool is tailored for the Sia network. This comprehensive platform offers users a wide range of insights into the intricacies of the Siacoin network.

Visit [SiaScan Zen](https://zen.siascan.com), our block explorer, to gain valuable insights into the testnet's activity, view transaction history, and monitor block confirmations.

<figure><img src="/files/UHvQc5AJLyAGxntwo8Kv" alt=""><figcaption><p>Siascan Zen</p></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.sia.tech/zen-testnet.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.