Solana is once again surging in early Q1 2025, with various metrics smashing one all-time high (ATH) after another. This makes it the perfect time to take a closer look at the tools and resources necessary for Solana Web3 development—so you can ride the wave and turn your dApp ideas into reality.
We’ll start with the basics, such as the Rust programming language and the command line interface. If you’re already experienced in Solana development, feel free to skip the first half of the article and dive straight into the advanced tools.
Building Solana dApps: What is special about it?
All Solana smart contracts are referred to as programs.
Solana supports multiple programming languages, but the vast majority of developers use Rust due to its performance and safety features. While the Solana ecosystem is primarily designed for Linux environments (such as Ubuntu), you don’t necessarily need Linux to begin Web3 development.
If you’re planning to run your own Solana node, Linux is essential. However, for basic Web3 development, you can work on Windows using Linux functionalities provided by Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Once WSL is installed, you’re ready to interact with Solana programs using the command line interface (CLI).
There are several specialized tools designed to streamline Solana development. The most notable one is Anchor, a Rust-based framework that simplifies and automates program creation and deployment. In addition to Anchor, other tools can save time and improve efficiency when handling specific tasks or blockchain requests.
For instance:
- Yellowstone gRPC (Geyser Plugin): This tool is invaluable for managing large data flows. It organizes and distributes data into databases, making it easier to handle. It’s particularly useful when your dApp processes high volumes of data.
- Digital Asset Standard (DAS) API: Developed by Metaplex, this API provides an efficient interface to interact with Solana assets. By offering predefined methods, it significantly reduces the time and complexity of working with Solana node API.
Now, let’s dive deeper into how these tools work and how they can transform your Solana development experience.
Basic tools for Solana Web3 development
Once you’ve installed either a Linux distribution or the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you can set up the Solana command line interface (CLI), install Rust, Anchor, and JavaScript tools—and you’re good to go!
Solana command line interface (CLI)
The Solana CLI is essential for performing basic operations like managing dependencies, installing tools, and deploying programs. It’s designed to work on Unix-based systems, including Linux distributions, macOS, and WSL. Below is an example of Linux CLI commands, commonly used for file manipulation or interacting with Solana.
Source: GeeksForGeeks
To install Solana CLI tools, run the following command in the Unix terminal:
sh -c "$(curl -sSfL https://release.anza.xyz/stable/install)"
After installation, you’ll be able to call its methods and start writing programs using Rust.
Rust programming language
Rust is a low-level, multifunctional programming language, often compared to C and C++. Like these languages, Rust allows developers to work directly with memory, offering precise control over how each program’s components are executed at the machine level.
While this requires a deeper understanding of computer algorithms compared to high-level languages like JavaScript or Python, it also enables the creation of highly efficient programs.
The Solana documentation recommends using the CLI to install Rust and build and deploy programs. To install Rust, use the following command:
curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://sh.rustup.rs | sh -s -- -y
A typical Rust program structure for Solana can be seen below:
pub fn process_instruction(
program_id: &Pubkey,
accounts: &[AccountInfo],
instruction_data: &[u8],
) -> ProgramResult {
// Your program logic
Ok(())
}
In this example:
- program_id refers to the smart contract’s public key.
- accounts represents the accounts participating in the transaction.
- instruction_data contains additional data used by the program.
Once all required data is processed, the Ok(()) command indicates that the function has successfully completed.
While Rust requires thorough learning to master, understanding the basics—like this structure—can significantly ease your journey into Solana development.
Anchor, API Tools, and frontend frameworks
Several tools help developers streamline program deployment and build interfaces for their dApps.
Anchor
Anchor is a Rust-based framework that simplifies Solana program development. It provides an organized, automated approach to creating and deploying programs. Below is an example of an initial Anchor template:
Source: Anchor
Installing Anchor is pretty straightforward via the CLI. Use the following command to install it from its GitHub repository:
cargo install --git https://github.com/coral-xyz/anchor avm --force
JavaScript Tools
To work with Anchor, you’ll also need JavaScript services Node.js and Yarn:
- Node.js is a popular JavaScript runtime often used for backend development.
- Yarn is a package manager that simplifies dependency management.
Libraries such as Web3.js are useful at this stage for processing user data and connecting it to the blockchain. Solana’s documentation offers additional guidance on these tools.
Solana Program Library (SPL)
For program examples, visit the Solana Program Library (SPL). It includes pre-built programs like:
- SPL Token owner check program to identify the current token’s owner
- SPL Token mint programs to mint new tokens on Solana
These examples can help you quickly understand and implement Solana’s core functionalities.
DAS API and Geyser Plugin
As your project scales, tools like Digital Asset Standard (DAS) API and Geyser Plugin (Yellowstone gRPC) become invaluable:
- DAS API, developed by Metaplex, provides predefined methods to efficiently interact with Solana assets.
- Geyser Plugin helps manage large data flows by distributing and organizing them into databases, making it easier to handle blockchain requests.
Additional tools for better functionality
Let’s dive into the Solana ecosystem to explore which existing dApps may provide useful services for your Web3 development journey.
Solana explorers
These tools monitor the Solana network and enable developers to extract any information about it at any moment. Arguably, SolScan is among the best ones.
One can see how it provides essential data about the Solana network, from transaction rates and fees to how validators participate in new block creation. All of this data can be fetched via the API and used in your dApp.
Source: SolScan
It also monitors Solana DeFi activity and analyzes transactions in real time. You can use this data to resolve smart contracts according to them, making your dApp more relevant and functional.
Not satisfied with SolScan? Check our Solana explorers guide!
Smart contract audit services
As with any smart contract, flaws are inevitable. You simply cannot oversee all situations, and there will be cases when your code doesn’t run as expected. Some vulnerabilities may be exposed and, eventually, become exploited by hackers. It would be an especially painful blow to your Web3 community reputation.
To prevent this, use platforms that will help you with smart contract audits.
- CertiK is a blockchain audit firm, in which specialists evaluate and test projects from various perspectives, identifying their weaknesses and helping developers fix them.
- Code4rena acts differently: it has an established community of “wardens,” who test smart contracts thoroughly to detect any inconvenience.
Such instruments are crucial at all stages of your project deployment, as they make it safer to use and much more efficient. While reliable audits often aren’t free, they increase your app’s reliability, attract new users, and prevent losses.
DeFi and DEX applications
As Solana is booming, there are plenty of good DeFi instruments already present. You can use their functionalities via their APIs, which may be free, subscription-based, or require an established partnership. Let’s look at the best examples of such tools.
- DefiLlama isn’t specifically a Solana thing, but it’s a robust tool to gather financial information about various chains and their ecosystems using its API.
- Raydium is among the largest Solana’s decentralized exchanges, providing APIs for token swaps.
- Jupiter is a Solana DEX with features like perpetual trading and token bridging to other chains, so its APIs are useful if your dApp has anything to do with trading.
- Jito provides staking options for a wide range of users, and its APIs may help if you want to integrate liquid staking in your dApp.
Want more? Check our Solana DeFi guide!
As shown below, all of Solana's financial performance can be tracked using DefiLlama. Similar to SolScan, all this data can be accessed with APIs and utilized in your dApp where needed.
Source: DefiLlama
That’s why we’re building the Web3 projects database, where you can find many other free and paid Solana tools that may be useful for your case. Go to our Dapp Hub and check it. And yes, your project may be listed there one day, too—we’re open to fruitful partnerships!
Build stable Solana applications with GetBlock: Wrapping up
Simply put, there are five components crucial for your Solana dApp development.
- Stable and reliable Solana nodes for connecting the blockchain.
- Command-line interface (CLI) functionalities and Solana tools installed.
- Rust programming language, its SDK, and API tools.
- Anchor, Node.js, and Yarn frameworks for program deployment.
- Various other dApps for gathering information and connecting functionalities.
When traffic to Solana increases, GetBlock is here to help.
If your app has outgrown a standard SOL node, it’s time to try the brand-new GetBlock Solana Pro RPC node.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- 1,000 requests per second compared to 300-500 RPS on regular nodes;
- 99,99% uptime for every dApp;
- Seamless access to Raydium, Jupiter API, and Jito MEV-protected SOL node client fork;
- Yellowstone Geyser gRPC and Metaplex DAS API tooling at your fingertips;
No hassle: just sign in to GetBlock, navigate to Dedicated Nodes and customize your Solana Pro RPC node.
Then, once your dApp is out, we can help you promote your project with our Dapp Hub and at conferences we visit. Sign up now, select the plan that suits you best, and let’s be in touch!
