# 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](https://docs.sia.tech/store-your-data/setting-up-renterd), [hostd](https://docs.sia.tech/provide-storage/setting-up-hostd) or [walletd](https://docs.sia.tech/wallet/setting-up-walletd), 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="https://3679771871-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6w9fYqdazlo30V4aFg36%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-3d1867f210e5a2db0b71cb168f3620d28884aec0%2Fzen%20faucet%20funding.png?alt=media" 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="https://3679771871-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6w9fYqdazlo30V4aFg36%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b226d86f99122985fb4dae07cba2e1736b1e5bba%2Fsiascan.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>Siascan Zen</p></figcaption></figure>