> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.near.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # NEAR Networks > Explore the different networks available in NEAR NEAR Protocol operates on several networks, each with its own independent validators and unique state. These networks are designed to serve different purposes, from production-ready applications to testing and development environments. ## Overview of NEAR Networks * [`mainnet`](/protocol/network/networks#mainnet) * [`testnet`](/protocol/network/networks#testnet) * [`localnet`](/protocol/network/networks#localnet) ## Mainnet `mainnet` is for production ready smart contracts and live token transfers. Contracts ready for `mainnet` should have gone through rigorous testing and independent security reviews if necessary. `mainnet` is the only network where state is guaranteed to persist over time *(subject to the typical security guarantees of the network's validation process)*. * Status: `https://rpc.mainnet.near.org/status` * \[ [NearBlocks Explorer](https://nearblocks.io) ] * \[ [Wallet](https://wallet.near.org) ] * \[ [Epoch Sync](https://near-nodes.io/intro/node-epoch-sync) ] ## Testnet `testnet` is a public network and the final testing network for `nearcore` changes before deployment to `mainnet`. `testnet` is intended for testing all aspects of the NEAR platform prior to `mainnet` deployment. From account creation, mock token transfers, development tooling, and smart contract development, the `testnet` environment closely resembles `mainnet` behavior. All `nearcore` changes are deployed as release candidates on first testnet, before the changes are released on `mainnet`. A number of `testnet` validators validate transactions and create new blocks. dApp developers deploy their applications on `testnet` before deploying on `mainnet`. It is important to note that `testnet` has its own transactions and states. * Status: `https://rpc.testnet.near.org/status` * \[ [Explorer](https://testnet.nearblocks.io) ] * \[ [Wallet](https://testnet.mynearwallet.com/) ] * \[ [Epoch Sync](https://near-nodes.io/intro/node-epoch-sync) ] ## Localnet `localnet` is intended for developers who want to work with the NEAR platform independent of the public blockchain. You will need to generate nodes yourself. `localnet` gives you the total control over accounts, economics, and other factors for more advanced use cases (including making changes to `nearcore`). For developers, `localnet` is the right choice if you prefer to avoid leaking information about your work during the development process. More on local development [here](https://near-nodes.io/validator/running-a-node) *** **Got a questions?** Ask it on StackOverflow!