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I am currently running a testnet-node version 1.29.0.
To query the blockain, I use the command cardano-cli query tip --testnet-magic 1097911063 to get the last block.

What is the testnet-magic argument and why is it 1097911063?

I got the command from https://developers.cardano.org/docs/get-started/running-cardano

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2 Answers 2

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The testnet magic, aka protocol magic, is a parameter introduced in Cardano during the Byron era. It is used internally by the protocol in cryptographic functions that construct addresses from a seed. Since this value is different in mainnet and testnet, the address obtained from a given path (or seed) is different in both networks.

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  • But why is 1097911063? Are there other testnets with different number?
    – Boommeister
    Commented Sep 16, 2021 at 18:11
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    @G-Unit It's just an identifier, it could have been any other unique number, but I don't know why they chose that specific number. Other testnets used different numbers (I've seen the number 42, for instance)
    – vaz
    Commented Sep 18, 2021 at 2:15
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    Possible answer which explains a little bit more about this - stackoverflow.com/q/67191023/1336068
    – Bharat Mallapur
    Commented Dec 22, 2021 at 20:42
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A quick update if you are still having this issue then please use this command now

cardano-cli query tip --testnet-magic 1

as testnet arguments have been changed. you can use both 1 and 2 based on your network preview or preprod.

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