# Testing

> Learn how to use SatsRail's test mode to build and test your integration without real payments. Fully isolated test environment with simulated Lightning invoices.

Source: https://www.satsrail.com/developers/guides/testing/

Build with confidence using fully isolated test data.

## Test Mode Overview

Every SatsRail merchant gets two sets of API keys: live and test. Keys prefixed with `sk_test_` and `pk_test_` create resources in a completely isolated test environment.

> **💡 No special test card numbers needed.** Lightning invoices in test mode are fully simulated — they complete automatically so you can test your entire flow without spending real sats.

## Test vs. Live Data Isolation

SatsRail enforces strict separation between test and live data:

|   | Test Mode | Live Mode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Key prefix** | `sk_test_ / pk_test_` | `sk_live_ / pk_live_` |
| **Data access** | Only test resources | Only live resources |
| **Payment providers** | Simulated (no real payments) | Real Lightning / Bitcoin |
| **Webhooks** | Fired for test events only | Fired for live events only |

This is enforced at the model level via `LiveModeScoped` — test resources never interact with real payment providers, and a test key can never read or modify live data (and vice versa).

## How to Get Test Keys

1. Log in to your merchant dashboard
2. Navigate to **API Keys**
3. Toggle **Test Mode** on
4. Copy your `sk_test_` secret key and `pk_test_` publishable key

Test keys are available immediately — no approval needed.

## What You Can Test

Use test keys to exercise every part of your integration:

- **Checkout Sessions** — Create sessions, test embedded/redirect flows, verify success/cancel URLs
- **Orders** — Create, list, and retrieve orders; watch status transitions
- **Invoices** — Generate invoices and see them auto-complete in test mode
- **Payments** — Simulated payments appear with realistic data and status updates
- **Webhooks** — Receive webhook events for test resources on your test webhook endpoints

When everything works in test mode, switch to live keys — the API is identical.

## Start testing now

Follow the quickstart to get your test keys and make your first API call.

[Quickstart Guide →](https://www.satsrail.com/developers/guides/quickstart/)