A term used to refer to a blockchain protocol that is completely developed and deployed.
The Long Explanation
The term is used to describe a blockchain that is completely tested, developed, and deployed. Furthermore, the blockchain will also run its own network with protocol and technology of its own. This typically means that crypto transactions are broadcasted, verified, and stored on a blockchain, which is basically a distributed ledger technology.
Mainnet is the final stage in a blockchain project, which makes it possible to send and receive digital currencies.
Before a mainnet is launched, the blockchain project’s team will raise funds to develop the blockchain’s prototype, and build their community. The prototype will then go through an initial testing phase. Once the bugs are fixed and the prototype performs fine, the blockchain’s mainnet version will be launched by the team, which is its fully developed, deployed, and functional stage.