Solana dApp Development: A Step-by-Step Guide

Check out this step-by-step guide on creating DApps or decentralized applications on Solana, a high-performance blockchain platform preferred for its scalability, processing speed, and high performance. 

The speed at which a blockchain platform conducts transactions is one of the influential factors that drive network traffic. That’s probably why developers across the globe are choosing Solana for building dApps or decentralized applications. Solana claims to be the fastest among all blockchain platforms by facilitating up to 65000 transactions per second. 

The high transaction speed of this blockchain network leads to low transaction costs, becoming another major reason for choosing Solana. If you are someone who wants to explore this platform and seek a detailed guide on how to build a dApp on Solana, then this blog is a must for you. 

Here, we have covered everything about Solana blockchain, dApps, features, and Solana dApps development. Let’s begin: 

What is Solana Blockchain?

Solana is an open-source and high-performance blockchain platform that is almost similar to Ethereum but has high transaction speed. As per top Solana developers and experts, Solana can process approximately 50,000 transactions per second. Isn’t it amazing? 

Here are some interesting facts about Solana:

• Named after a small coastal city in Southern California.
• Developed by Anatoly Yakovenko in March 2020
• Ranks as the 11th-largest coin by total market capitalization
• Uses a proof-of-history mechanism to ensure complete security and high efficiency of Blockchain through a cryptographic function known as VDF (Verifiable Delay Function) that automatically produces timestamps for each block. 

Why Should You Build dApps on Solana?

Solana leverages a combination of the “proof-of-history and delegated proof-of-stake” mechanism to bring a host of advantages to users and developers. It addresses two major blockchain issues: scalability and security. Apart from this, here are other reasons that make this platform the first choice for dApps development: 

Lightening Fast Speed

Solana offers unmatched speed and can seamlessly process thousands of transactions per second. It enables users to get instant transaction confirmations, enhancing their experience and giving them a sense of trust and transparency. 

Limitless Scalability 

Solana allows horizontal scalability, making it efficient for handling and processing growing transaction volumes without compromising performance or security. It makes Solana a suitable platform for dApps that demand scalability.

Energy Efficient

Owing to the fast transaction processing and optimized consensus mechanism, Solana consumes significantly less energy and has less environmental impact. Each transaction done using this platform requires almost the same energy as a few Google searches. 

Low Transaction Cost

Solana’s cost-effectiveness makes it affordable for developers and users to utilize the potential of blockchain technology for conducting microtransactions through dApps without imposing high fees or charges. 

Elimination of Memory Pool Issues

In the blockchain, memory pool or mempool issues imply the waiting area where a processed transaction waits for the blockchain’s acceptance. Solana eliminates this process by directly adding the transaction to the blockchain, saving time and avoiding network congestion. 

Open-Source Ecosystem

With Solana’s open-source ecosystem, developers can download codes straight from the Solana lab’s Github, eliminating the need to write codes from scratch and accelerating the dApp development process. 

Developers Friendly 

Solana provides developers with a comprehensive range of tools and detailed documentation to build, launch, and easily maintain dApps on the platform. Moreover, it has a large community support, making it easy for developers to stay updated with the latest developments. 

Decentralized Nature

Solana has a decentralized nature. Its network is authenticated by thousands of nodes that operate independently. It vouches for end-to-end data security, making it a preferable choice for building dApps. 

What are the Features of a Solana dApp?

Before beginning with the Solana dApps tutorial, let’s look at some outstanding features of this blockchain platform:

Turbine

Do you know how Solana facilitates lightning-fast transactions? Well, it is simply because of the divided rule it follows. This platform divides multiple blockchain nodes into tiny packets, allowing transactions to happen without validation and facing bandwidth challenges.  

Pipelining

Solana relies on the pipeline technology or system to conduct various tasks. This technology utilizes different sequential steps to process data input streams for easier and faster flow of data. 

Cloudbreak

The Cloudbreak technology that Solana uses facilitates scalability. The technology produces a seamless connection between hardware and software and enables dApps to read and record transaction inputs efficiently. 

Gulfstream

The Gulfstream system makes Solana capable of handling a memory pool size of 1,00,00. It also enables the popular blockchain platform to touch around 65,000tps, minimizing confirmation times. 

Tower Byzantine Fault Tolerance Algorithm

The Tower Byzantine Fault Tolerance Algorithm acts as the support system of Solana. It automatically comes into action if any blockchain node fails to serve its purpose. The algorithm supports the failing node to make it work despite failure. 

High Throughput

Solana has a unique architecture, allowing it for high transaction throughput. In simple terms, it can seamlessly and securely process thousands of transactions per second without making any errors or compromising performance. 

Low Latency

Quick transactions result in immediate confirmations, minimizing repetitive transactions and enhancing user experience. The low latency feature makes Solana a perfect choice for dApps that demand real-time interactions and responsiveness. 

Low Fees

Solana follows a proof-of-history consensus mechanism that contributes to keeping transaction fees low, making it cost-effective for users to interact with dApps on this popular blockchain platform. 

How to Build a DApp on Solana?

This section covers a step-by-step guide to Solana DApps development. So, no matter which among the following questions you are typing on Google, the answer will take you to the process for Solana dApps development that is mentioned here. 

Step 1: Install required languages and applications like Rust, Yarn, and Solana

The first step is to install Solana’s programming language, i.e., Rust. 

To install this language on Windows, get GitBash from Git- Downloads, a terminal that enables Solana developers to run specific commands on Microsoft’s operating system. After the GitBash installation, run the command to facilitate the installation of the Rust language. 

Now, run the following command to execute the Rust executables: 

Verify the status of installation using these commands:

The next thing to do is to install the Solana platform:

Run the below-given command to ensure successful installation:

Step 2: Install Node.js 

Install Node.js and Yarn, ensuring smooth functioning with the Anchor programs. To confirm the installation of both, write this command:

For node.js:

For Yarn:

Step 3: Install Anchor

Begin the installation of the Anchor that facilitates developing programs on the Solana blockchain using this command:

To confirm this installation, follow this command:

Now, write this command to finish the installation process:

Step 4: Set up the Project

Solana, by default, functions on the mainnet to give each transaction a unique SOL coin in terms of a gas fee or transaction fee. There is no point in doing the same thing while creating dApps on Solana. Simply follow the given steps:

• Configure Solana Command Line Interface Utility to make the most of devnet. 
• Initialize the project using the Anchor framework.

Configure the Solana platform to support the devnet network. Simply write this command:

Write the following command to access the wallet to run and launch the programs.

Verify your wallet’s address with this command:

Execute the airdrop command to test some SOL coins. To check your account balance, execute the following command:

Lastly, set up the anchor framework with this command:

Step 5: Begin Programming Using Rust

Go to your code editor and access the global article project. Select Programs -> SRC -> Lib.rs -> Home. It will take you to the Rust crates. 

Access that file. Now, make a note of Lib.rs and then home. It’s the prime file for the Solana program. Now, build the data structure to enable content storage and integrate the Article struct with this command:

Run the below command to continue creating the Initialize Struct:

Go to the Program section and create the main function with this command:

It will make your Solana program ready to build the dApp or decentralized application. 

Step 6: Develop the React App

Start developing a new application considering the Anchor project as the base. Now, overwrite the current app directory with this command:

The next thing is to install the dependencies needed for Anchor and Solana Web3. Write the following code for this:

Step 7: Install the Wallet Adaptor 

In this step, run the following command to install the Solana wallet adapter. It will help you to manage the Solana wallet efficiently. 

Now, access the src directory and create a new file idl.json. Open this file and copy the IDL JSON that you have written in the main project folder. 

Step 8: Switch the Wallet Network

Take the wallet to a proper network before interacting with a file or program on the localhost network. In case you want to modify your wallet’s network, then simply access it, go to Settings to make changes, and choose the localhost. 

Airdrop a few tokens to the wallet and then choose the address from the top of the wallet’s interface. Copy the address, go to the terminal, and write the below code:

The command will airdrop some tokens needed for running and testing the decentralized application. Once you get the tokens, modify the directory, and write the following code:

Step 9: Launch the dApp

Copy the new IDL to the front to launch the dApp. For copying, write this command:

Write the below command to serve the frontend app locally: 

Now, go to the devnet’s cluster to launch the dApp. Write the following command:

It’s time to deploy the dApp to the mainnet:

Difference Between Solana and Ethereum 

You might have heard that Solana is like Ethereum; however, there are many differences between both Blockchain platforms. 

SOLANA VS. ETHEREUM

How can Quytech Help with Solana dApps Development?

Quytech is a leading blockchain app development company with over 13 years of experience and extensive expertise in creating multiple Solana dApps or decentralized applications. We have developed unique NFT marketplaces, digital wallets, crypto tokens, P2P lending, games, smart contracts, and multiple dApps that assure our clients that their dApps project is in safe hands. 

Here are the cutting-edge blockchain and Solana dApps development services that Quytech offers: 

Solana dApps Consultation 

Our blockchain experts thoroughly understand and assess your requirements and competitors to offer Solana dApp development roadmap and strategic insights that lead to your dApps success. 

Solana dApps Development 

We have dedicated professionals to take care of end-to-end decentralized app development on the Solana platform. 

Solana dApps Testing 

The testing phase of the Solana DApp development at Quytech involves testing the app for usability, functionality, performance, and security. 

Solana dApps Maintenance 

Quytech’s Solana DApps maintenance services involve keeping the dApp updated with the latest features and micro-services to ensure optimal performance.

Existing Apps Migration to the Solana Platform 

If you have an existing application that you want to migrate to the Solana platform, then Quytech is the right destination for you. 

To Sum Up

Known for its high processing speed, Solana is an open-source blockchain platform that is a preferred choice for dApps developers. This blog covers the definition, features, and advantages of Solana apps that would help you understand why Solana developers across the world this blockchain platform. 

In this blog, you will also read about the detailed process of developing dApps on the Solana platform. Besides, we have mentioned how a Solana dApp development company can help you build customized dApps with the latest features. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Solana and Solana dApps Development

Do you still have questions about Solana blockchain or Solana dApps development? Check this frequently asked section, and you will certainly find an answer to your query associated with the Solana blockchain or how to build a Solana dApp. 

What language is used in Solana DApps?

Solana blockchain uses Rust as its primary language. However, it also supports C, C++, and even Python. The Rust language makes Solana capable of safeguarding transactions while ensuring speed and accuracy. 

Why is Solana used for dApps development?

Features like an independent ecosystem, cost-efficiency, security, and interoperability make Solana an ideal choice for decentralized apps or dApps development. 

How many dApps are built on Solana?

As of now, there are more than 470 dApps that have been built using Solana. This number is growing exponentially. 

Which consensus mechanism or algorithm does Solana use?

Solana relies on the proof-of-history mechanism to bring top-level security and efficiency to the blockchain. 

How to build a Solana DApp?

Is it hard to build on Solana? If you think it is challenging to build dApps on Solana, then you need to think twice about it. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Install required languages and applications like Rust, Yarn, and Solana

Step 2: Install Node.js 

Step 3: Install Anchor

Step 4: Set up the project

Step 5: Begin programming using Rust

Step 6: Update Anchor on Solana

Step 7: Develop the React app

Step 8: Install the Wallet Adaptor 

Step 9: Switch the wallet network

Step 10: Launch the dApp

To know these steps in detail, read the respective section in the blog. 

What are some Solana smart contract examples?

Here are the three popular examples of Solana smart contracts:

1. “hello_world”- Responsible for displaying the “Hello World” message. 
2. “tic_tac_toe”- Responsible for taking care of the game logic of the tic tac toe game. 
3. “micro_blog”- Responsible for defining the logic of a microblog. 

Can you monetize DApps?

There are multiple ways to monetize dApps, and some of them are:

1. Crowdsale and token launch
2. Transaction fees
3. Subscription 
4. In-app advertisements
5. Creating digital goods
6. Referrals 

What are the different wallets supported by the Solana blockchain?

Some of the wallets supported by the Solana blockchain include mobile app wallets, web wallets, SolFlare web wallets, hardware wallets, and command-line wallets. 

What are some use cases or examples of dApps built on the Solana platform?

Here are some popular examples of dApps on the Solana platform:

Defi- Mango Markets, Orca, Solfarm, etc.

Web3 dApps- Squads, Alchemy, etc.

NFT Development- Solanart, Solsea, Metaplex, etc.