> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hashsphere.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hashsphere.com/development/application-development-on-hashsphere/development-environment.md).

# Development Environment

Before you can begin building applications on a private Hedera network, you need to choose a development environment. This page outlines the available options for fast iteration and testing.

***

### Prerequisites

Before choosing a development environment, you should have a basic understanding of the following:

* The Hedera Network ([testnet](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/networks/testnet), [previewnet](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/networks/testnet), and [mainnet](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/networks/mainnet))
* Hedera accounts and clients
* Transaction and query basics

If you are new to Hedera, we recommend starting with the [Hedera Developer Portal](https://portal.hedera.com) to get up to speed.

***

### Public Networks

For many public applications, the Hedera [**testnet**](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/networks/testnet) or [**previewnet**](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/networks/previewnet) are suitable for development and testing. These networks are free to use and provide a sandbox environment that closely mirrors the mainnet.

* **Testnet**: Runs the same code as the Hedera mainnet, providing a stable, pre-production environment for testing applications before deploying them to the mainnet.
* **Previewnet**: Offers early access to upcoming features and code that is under development by the Hedera team. The previewnet is updated frequently, and SDK support for new features is not guaranteed.

If the public networks are not suitable for your needs—for example, if you require a completely isolated environment or need to test specific network configurations—you have two private network options.

***

### Private Network Options

#### 1. Solo

[**Solo**](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/networks/localnet) is a command-line interface (CLI) for deploying and managing standalone, single-node test networks. You can run a Solo network on a laptop or in a dedicated development environment.

To get started with Solo, see the [getting started guide](https://github.com/hashgraph/solo) in the official repository.

#### 2. Test HashSphere

For enterprise teams, a dedicated **Test HashSphere** provides a private, managed environment for development and testing. Customer operations teams typically manage access to this environment.

**Key Features**

* **Private Network**: A completely isolated network environment, giving you full control over network configuration, node management, and data privacy.
* **Predictable Performance**: Consistent and predictable performance, as you are not competing for resources with other users on a public network.
* **Custom Configurations**: The ability to test specific network configurations, such as custom transaction throttles or different node software versions.

**Onboarding**

To get started with a Test HashSphere, you will need to contact the Hashgraph team to begin the onboarding process. The team will provide you with the necessary node address book and required identifiers to configure your SDK client.

{% hint style="info" %}
To request a Test HashSphere or to discuss your specific requirements, please contact the team via the [Hashgraph contact page](https://www.hashgraph.com/contact/).
{% endhint %}


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