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The Crypto Shop Backend supports both TRON testnet (Nile) and mainnet. Proper network configuration is critical for development, testing, and production deployments.

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Environment Variables

Network configuration is managed through the TRON_NETWORK environment variable in your .env file:
~/workspace/source/.env.example:8-9
# TRON Network (usa Nile para testnet o mainnet para producción)
TRON_NETWORK=https://nile.trongrid.io

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Network Endpoints

TRON_NETWORK=https://nile.trongrid.io
NODE_ENV=development
Nile Testnet Features:
  • Free test TRX from faucets
  • Identical to mainnet functionality
  • No real money at risk
  • Perfect for development and testing
  • Block time: ~3 seconds
Get Free Test TRX: Visit the Nile Testnet Faucet to receive free TRX for testing.

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Mainnet (Production Only)

TRON_NETWORK=https://api.trongrid.io
NODE_ENV=production
Mainnet Features:
  • Real TRX cryptocurrency
  • Production-ready transactions
  • Requires real funds
  • Same block time and confirmation rules
Production Warning: Mainnet uses real TRX. Ensure thorough testing on Nile testnet before deploying to mainnet. Transactions are irreversible!

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Network Comparison

FeatureNile TestnetMainnet
Endpointhttps://nile.trongrid.iohttps://api.trongrid.io
CurrencyTest TRX (no value)Real TRX
Block Time~3 seconds~3 seconds
Confirmations21 blocks21 blocks
FaucetAvailableNot available
Use CaseDevelopment, testingProduction
CostFreeReal money

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Configuration by Environment

Use different configurations for each environment: 
NODE_ENV=development
TRON_NETWORK=https://nile.trongrid.io
PORT=3000
MONGODB_URI=mongodb://localhost:27017/crypto-shop-dev

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Using TronWeb with Network Config

The backend initializes TronWeb using the environment variable:
~/workspace/source/src/services/tron.service.js:1-10
import pkg from "tronweb";
import dotenv from "dotenv";

dotenv.config();

const { TronWeb } = pkg;

const tronWeb = new TronWeb({
  fullHost: process.env.TRON_NETWORK
});
This same pattern is used across all services:
~/workspace/source/src/services/transactionListener.js:4-14
import pkg from 'tronweb';
import dotenv from 'dotenv';

dotenv.config();

const { TronWeb } = pkg;

const tronWeb = new TronWeb({
  fullHost: process.env.TRON_NETWORK
});

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Network-Specific Considerations

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Testnet (Nile)

Advantages:
  • Safe for experimentation
  • Free test TRX available
  • Identical API to mainnet
  • Full transaction history
Limitations:
  • Test data may be reset periodically
  • Not for production use
  • Test TRX has no real value
Getting Test TRX:
  1. Create a wallet using the backend API
  2. Visit Nile Faucet
  3. Enter your testnet address
  4. Receive 10,000 test TRX

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Mainnet (Production)

Advantages:
  • Real cryptocurrency transactions
  • Production-ready
  • Full network security
Requirements:
  • Real TRX for transactions
  • Proper security measures
  • Comprehensive testing completed
  • Error handling and monitoring

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Switching Networks

To switch between networks, update your .env file:
1

Update Environment Variable

Edit .env and change TRON_NETWORK:
# Switch to testnet
TRON_NETWORK=https://nile.trongrid.io

# OR switch to mainnet
TRON_NETWORK=https://api.trongrid.io
2

Restart the Server

The server must be restarted to load the new configuration:
npm run dev
3

Verify Connection

Check server logs to confirm the network:
[TRON] Connected to network: https://nile.trongrid.io
Important: Addresses and private keys generated on testnet can also be used on mainnet, but they will have different balances and transaction histories. Keep testnet and mainnet wallets separate!

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Address Compatibility

TRON addresses are compatible across networks: 
// Same address format on both networks
const address = 'TJMKu9GcRaRaXqMVYhJBVPFVs1g5RgGJax';

// Valid on Nile testnet
const testnetBalance = await tronWeb.trx.getBalance(address);

// Also valid on mainnet (but different balance)
const mainnetBalance = await tronWeb.trx.getBalance(address);

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Best Practices

Maintain separate .env files for each environment:
  • .env.development (Nile testnet)
  • .env.staging (Nile testnet)
  • .env.production (Mainnet)
Use tools like dotenv-cli to load the correct file:
dotenv -e .env.production -- node server.js
Add .env to .gitignore:
.gitignore
.env
.env.local
.env.*.local
Commit only .env.example with safe placeholder values.
Add validation to ensure correct network configuration:
const validateNetwork = async () => {
  const isProduction = process.env.NODE_ENV === 'production';
  const isMainnet = process.env.TRON_NETWORK.includes('api.trongrid.io');
  
  if (isProduction && !isMainnet) {
    throw new Error('Production must use mainnet!');
  }
  
  if (!isProduction && isMainnet) {
    console.warn('⚠️  Warning: Using mainnet in non-production environment!');
  }
};
Before mainnet deployment:
  • Test all transaction types
  • Verify refund processing
  • Test error handling
  • Validate transaction listener
  • Check Socket.io notifications

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Monitoring Network Health

Check network status programmatically: 
const checkNetworkHealth = async () => {
  try {
    const block = await tronWeb.trx.getCurrentBlock();
    const blockNumber = block.block_header.raw_data.number;
    const timestamp = block.block_header.raw_data.timestamp;
    
    console.log('Network Status:');
    console.log('- Endpoint:', process.env.TRON_NETWORK);
    console.log('- Current Block:', blockNumber);
    console.log('- Block Time:', new Date(timestamp));
    console.log('- Status: ✓ Connected');
    
    return true;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Network Status: ✗ Disconnected');
    console.error('Error:', error.message);
    return false;
  }
};

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Additional Resources

TRON Documentation

Official TRON developer documentation

Nile Testnet Explorer

View testnet transactions and blocks

Mainnet Explorer

View mainnet transactions and blocks

TronGrid API

API documentation and rate limits

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Next Steps

TRON Setup

Configure TronWeb and create wallets

Transaction Listener

Monitor blockchain transactions

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