Solana Basics

What Is Solana?

Solana is a public blockchain designed for fast, low-cost transactions. SOL is its native coin, used to pay network fees and to stake.

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Non-custodial · One signature · Metaplex metadata + IPFS · Deployed on mainnet

The short version

Solana was described in a 2017 whitepaper by Anatoly Yakovenko and its mainnet beta launched in March 2020. It combines proof of stake with a timekeeping method called proof of history so validators can agree on transaction order quickly.

Native coin: SOL
Consensus: proof of stake (no mining)
Typical fee: a fraction of a cent

What people do on Solana

People send payments, trade on exchanges, collect NFTs, play games and create tokens. See what Solana is used for and the Solana network.

If you want to build on Solana, the Solana token creator deploys a token in one signed transaction, and creators can enter the $100 creator giveaway (a promotional draw; no prize is guaranteed).

Step-by-step

Step 1. Get a wallet
Phantom, Solflare or Backpack.
Step 2. Get some SOL
Buy on an exchange or receive it.
Step 3. Try an app
Open a Solana dApp in your wallet.
Step 4. Learn the risks
Prices are volatile.

Start your token here

Type a name and ticker — we'll carry them straight into the creator. No wallet needed yet.

Frequently asked questions

Is Solana a coin or a company?

Solana is a blockchain. SOL is its coin. Organisations such as the Solana Foundation and Anza support its development.

Who created Solana?

Anatoly Yakovenko described it in 2017 and co-founded Solana Labs.

Can you mine Solana?

No. Solana uses proof of stake; see the Solana mining page.

What is SOL used for?

Paying transaction fees, staking with validators, and as a currency in Solana apps.

Keep reading

Ready to create your token?

Connect your wallet, fill the form, sign once. Your token is live on mainnet with on-chain metadata, a real logo, and optional authority revokes.