📓Node farming

In blockchain projects, nodes play a crucial role, but setting them up can be expensive. These nodes are essentially complex networks of servers, especially L2 nodes, which require additional resources like an ETH RPC.

Before a blockchain project goes live on its main network, it typically launches a test network, or testnet. These testnets serve as environments for developers to experiment with their applications (dApps) and for the project team to test the chain itself. And how do these testnets operate?

Yes, through nodes.

Normally, operators of nodes on the main network are rewarded with real tokens for their efforts in proposing or validating blocks. However, on testnets, these tokens have no value, making it less enticing for individuals to run nodes for free, considering the time and costs involved. To address this, projects often provide an incentive by airdropping real tokens to node operators once the main network launches.