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Getting Started with Solana: 5 Essential Tools Every Developer Should Use

#web3 #solana #blockchain

🧰 Prerequisites:

  • Basic understanding of Solana and Rust
  • Rust installed
  • Node.js + Yarn/NPM
  • Git Devnet SOL (use solana airdrop)

🚀 Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Install Solana CLI 

sh -c "$(curl -sSfL https://release.solana.com/stable/install)"
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Verify installation:

solana --version
solana config set --url https://api.devnet.solana.com
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2. Install Anchor 

cargo install --git https://github.com/coral-xyz/anchor anchor-cli --locked
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Verify:

anchor --version
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3. Use Solana Playground

Head to https://beta.solpg.io/
Try writing your first simple counter smart contract in Anchor—right in the browser.

4. Create and Airdrop to Wallet 

solana-keygen new --outfile ~/.config/solana/devnet.json
solana config set --keypair ~/.config/solana/devnet.json
solana airdrop 2
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5. Deploy a Token Using SPL Token CLI

Install the SPL CLI tool:

cargo install spl-token-cli
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Create a new token:

spl-token create-token
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Create an account to hold it:

spl-token create-account <TOKEN_ADDRESS>
spl-token mint <TOKEN_ADDRESS> 1000
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🔗 Useful Explorers:

Use these to track program logs, token mints, and transactions.

✅ What You’ve Learned:

  • How to set up CLI and Anchor
  • How to prototype with Solana Playground
  • How to mint SPL tokens
  • How to inspect on-chain activity

📘 Next Steps:

  • Deploy a real Anchor contract to devnet
  • Explore NFT tools like Metaplex
  • Build your own frontend using React + Phantom

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