Testing and development

Regtest Network

For most testing and development, we recommend using the Regtest Network - a deployed test network maintained by Lightspark that is free to use and carries no real-world value.

What you can test on Regtest

• Spark Payments: Bitcoin and token payments using the Spark protocol
• Deposits: Receiving test Bitcoin from the Lightspark Regtest Faucet
• Withdrawals: Sending funds back to on-chain addresses
• Token Issuance: Creating and testing tokens using the SDK's issuing functionality

Getting started

1. Initialize the SDK using the default regtest config (no API key required)
2. Generate a Bitcoin receiving address
3. Request funds from the faucet to your generated address
4. Test all Spark-related functionality in a controlled development environment

Lightning Network testing

For Lightning payments specifically, we recommend testing on Mainnet with small amounts since the Regtest Network doesn't have a developed Lightning Network.

Use real satoshis but keep transaction values very low while verifying payment flows work correctly.

Development best practices

• Start with Regtest for most development and testing
• Use Mainnet for Lightning testing
• Test all payment types you plan to support in your application