Key Highlights
- The Litecoin Foundation has launched the LiteForge testnet to test new blockchain features on Litecoin.
- The testnet introduces LitVM, which adds smart contracts and supports apps like DeFi, NFTs, and RWAs.
- Users can connect wallets and get free test tokens (zkLTC), and developers can build using Ethereum tools.
The Litecoin Foundation announced that the LiteForge Testnet is now live, introducing a testing environment for new features on the Litecoin network.
The testnet, announced via X post on Wednesday, is designed to allow users and developers to test smart contracts and Web3 applications by running them on a separate system that does not use real funds.
Smart contracts now available for testing
The testnet runs on LitVM, a virtual machine designed to build and run applications on Litecoin. The system is built as an EVM rollup, meaning it processes transactions separately and then settles them on the main network to reduce load and improve efficiency. It uses the Arbitrum Nitro stack, which is a framework designed to help blockchains handle more activity at lower cost.
The network uses zkLTC as its gas token. According to the website, users can obtain zkLTC test tokens through a faucet service, which distributes free tokens for testing purposes. The system also uses an AnyTrust data layer, a method of storing and verifying transaction data with reduced cost compared to standard methods.
User interaction and developer tools
Users can connect to the testnet using supported wallets such as MetaMask, Rabby, Coinbase Wallet, and Rainbow. After connecting, users will be able to explore applications that are already available on the testnet or send transactions using zkLTC.
For developers, the system supports tools that are commonly used in Ethereum-based development, including Hardhat, Foundry, and Remix. This means developers can create and deploy smart contracts without changing their existing tools. The announcement states that LitVM is fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, allowing these tools to work without additional setup.
Litecoin price performance
Following the announcement, Litecoin showed a modest market reaction. At the time of writing, Litecoin (LTC) is trading at around $55.52. This is a 2% surge in the last 24 hours.
However, trading volume fell by 19% to about $246 million in volume, while the market cap sits at $4.28 billion.
Also Read: Etherscan Unveils Beta Token Holders Overview for ERC-20 Tokens
