<p>The <code>regtest</code> operational mode of <code>bitcoind</code> is not as similar to <code>testnet</code> as you might think. The <code>regtest</code> mode offers you a totally local Bitcoin blockchain which is easily controlled by your local <code>bitcoind</code> with low difficulty. According to <a href="https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/a/36014/22795">this post</a>, it is furthermore possible to build a network out of multiple local <code>bitcoind</code> instances, such that you have a local Bitcoin network of your own.</p>

<p>You can control this network freely, but you can only simulate behavior that <code>bitcoind</code> allows you to assume. I am not aware of whether or not this is sufficient for your cases. If not, you could maybe try to fork <code>bitcoind</code> and somehow add the behavior you want to achieve...</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-16T17:08:51.827Z
Not sure if a regression testing mode (regtest) should be used, see https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Running_Bitcoin. Rolling out a private Bitcoin network "isolated from the Internet" could be used to provide an environment for stimulating and monitoring attacks.
skaht
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-17T05:04:00.007Z
So will it be possible to simulate attacks like 51% on regtest mode ?
Sadia Khalil
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-16T12:40:48.853Z
2015-02-16T12:40:48.853Z
2017-04-13T12:47:34.187Z
Rmn
<p>Are there any other platforms or tools beside TestNet where I can simulate and analyze various attacks like double spending (finney/block withholding attacks etc.)?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-16T06:43:10.997Z
Do you know about regtest mode?
Nate Eldredge
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-16T07:04:58.160Z
Yes, i know about regtest . It is somewhat similar to testnet except that it allows faster generation of blocks. What i am looking for is a tool that can help me model various attacks like >50% , selfish mining and so on.
Sadia Khalil
<testnet><attack>
How can one simulate and analyze attacks on the Bitcoin network?
Sadia Khalil
# How can one simulate and analyze attacks on the Bitcoin network?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-02-16)

Are there any other platforms or tools beside TestNet where I can simulate and analyze various attacks like double spending (finney/block withholding attacks etc.)?

**Tags:** testnet, attack

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Do you know about regtest mode?  
> **username_0**: Yes, i know about regtest . It is somewhat similar to testnet except that it allows faster generation of blocks. What i am looking for is a tool that can help me model various attacks like >50% , selfish mining and so on.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2015-02-16. Score: 2

The `regtest` operational mode of `bitcoind` is not as similar to `testnet` as you might think. The `regtest` mode offers you a totally local Bitcoin blockchain which is easily controlled by your local `bitcoind` with low difficulty. According to [this post](https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/a/36014/22795), it is furthermore possible to build a network out of multiple local `bitcoind` instances, such that you have a local Bitcoin network of your own.

You can control this network freely, but you can only simulate behavior that `bitcoind` allows you to assume. I am not aware of whether or not this is sufficient for your cases. If not, you could maybe try to fork `bitcoind` and somehow add the behavior you want to achieve...

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: Not sure if a regression testing mode (regtest) should be used, see https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Running_Bitcoin. Rolling out a private Bitcoin network "isolated from the Internet" could be used to provide an environment for stimulating and monitoring attacks.  
> **username_0**: So will it be possible to simulate attacks like 51% on regtest mode ?  

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