Im trying to do some tests to learn how to use raw transactions and other command lines. Since im scared to do this with real coins, I would like to use the testnet. I've never used it before. It looks like you just have to open the testnet shortcut and it will open. My questions are:
1) Does it keep the data folder separated from the real blockchain I guess? Do I get prompted when I first open it for the first time where to put the testnet blockchain?
2) Is there any way to download this faster from a torrent or something? Since its just testnet coins I don't really care that much about it so I would be willing to download it from somewhere faster that the client then just validate it.
You do not have to use the bitcoin core, which needs to download the blockchain.
For example I use Copay (both in android phone and desktop), which supports testnet, and doesn't need to download anything.
If you want to manually create your transactions then you can just use
https://live.blockcypher.com/btc-testnet/pushtx/ to broadcast them.
I need to use Bitcoin Core because I want to practice with Bitcoin Core's command line because I want to learn how to do rawtransactions and other cvars, so I just can't use any other software, it must be Core.
Anyone knows how big the testnet blockchain is? I've heard it's like 7 GB which is not that much, maybe I will give it a try with the actual client.