Difference between mainnet and testnet in metamask

[zeingrind777]

Hello, all. I just downloaded metamask for my wallet ethereum. there is written mainnet and testnet. I do not know what the difference is. do you guys here know about it? please explain to me

[TryNinja]

If you select mainnet, you will transact "real" ETH (those who are worth $470 and can be deposited in exchanges, used on ICOs, etc...);
If you select testnet, you will transact "fake" ETH (like the name says, ETH meant for testing, which isn't worth anything and has its own blockchain). Basically, play money.

[zeingrind777]

If you select mainnet, you will transact "real" ETH (those who are worth $470 and can be deposited in exchanges, used on ICOs, etc...);
If you select testnet, you will transact "fake" ETH (like the name says, ETH meant for testing, which isn't worth anything and has its own blockchain). Basically, play money.

so the testnet part can not be used at all to transact?

[TryNinja]

so the testnet part can not be used at all to transact?

Read my post again. I just said that you will transact ETH's which aren't worth anything.

If you select testnet, you will transact "fake" ETH (like the name says, ETH meant for testing, which isn't worth anything and has its own blockchain). Basically, play money.

[butka]

If you already know the basics of how to send and receive ETH (in other words if you have already used MEW and you know what you are doing), you won't ever need to use the testnet. Go straight to the mainnet.
But, if you are unsure, or if you are afraid that you may screw things up, better practice with imaginary (test) Ether. You may want to check this article to find out how to obtain some test ETH and play with them.