Guide on how to start building on Solana
Ioana Stanciu
9/26/20245 min read
Comets of Web3, a proud educational partner of Solana, is organizing the First Romanian Solana Developer Program from May to December 2024, training over 100 developers.
This guide provides developers with a comprehensive starting point for building on Solana, compiling essential resources, tools, and expert recommendations from our Solana Developer Program.
Getting Started with Solana
The Solana ecosystem is rapidly expanding, offering developers a vast array of tools and resources to accelerate blockchain innovation. Whether you're new to blockchain, building decentralized apps (dApps) or exploring Solana's infrastructure, these essential tools will help you get started:
To begin working with Solana's tech stack, including the Anchor framework, you’ll need a foundation in TypeScript. If you’re not familiar with it yet, we recommend this introductory training in Typescript.
Next, to prepare and configure your environment for starting with Solana Stack, instal the following tooling, in this specific order:
With your environment set up, you're ready to dive into the First Romanian Solana Developer Program. This program features 12 technical workshops (in Romanian, hooray! 😀) designed to guide you through building your first Solana DApp.
Additional Solana Resources
Beyond the resources already mentioned, here are additional tools and guides to further enhance your proficiency with the Solana Stack:
General Developer Resources:
Solana Devnet Faucet - SOL airdrop verification for devs on devnet/testnet
Phantom - Chrome Web Store - A crypto wallet reimagined for DeFI & NFTs
Rust Playground - Online tool to write, compile, and run Rust code directly in the browser
Wagmi - Library used in the Web3 development ecosystem, particularly for building Ethereum-based applications with React
React Native Solana Support (Cash-app clone): Cash App on Solana
Security Tools to audit your Solana Program: Solana Static Analysis Tool Radar (GitHub - Auditware/radar: A static analysis tool for anchor rust programs.)
Where can you find Open Source Projects : on GIB💎WORK and Cubik
Report Helius - a well-structured overview about how Solana works
GitHub README Templates - for improving your README files
Q&A about building on Solana
In this final section, we've compiled as well the key insights and recommendations shared by Jacob Creech (Head of Developer Relations) and Mike McCana (DevRel) from the Solana Foundation during the AMA session that concluded the First Romanian Solana Developer Program.
What should students do after completing their Solana Developer final project?
After finishing your final project, don't consider it the end. Continue your journey by finding a job within the Solana ecosystem.
There are over 100 engineering jobs available, with about 40 new jobs posted every week.
You can find these at:
Is there an opportunity to showcase final projects in a hackathon?
Yes, you can enter your final project into the global Solana hackathons organized by Colosseum, that run multiple times each year. Participating in these hackathons is highly competitive, but it can lead to significant opportunities, including potentially earning a living from your project.
How can skills learned in the Solana ecosystem be applied elsewhere?
The skills and knowledge gained from building on Solana, such as using Rust and setting up applications, are transferable. Even if a project doesn’t work out, you can apply these skills to other engineering jobs, including those in traditional tech.
What are Blinks and Actions in the context of Solana?
Blinks (short for blockchain links) are a way to integrate blockchain actions into web pages through links. They allow users to perform on-chain actions, such as signing transactions, without needing to interact directly with their wallet. This technology enables a seamless user experience, making it easier to engage with blockchain-based applications.
Is there a platform where Solana developers can promote their projects?
Yes, developers can promote their projects on platforms like Twitter by building in public or using sites like Product Hunt. Additionally, there is a Discord community of Solana developers called "76 devs", where projects can be shared.
Did Tensor start from a hackathon?
Tensor was likely built between hackathons, but one of its founders did win something at an earlier hackathon. The founders then pivoted to create Tensor, which has since grown into a significant project.
What types of developers are most desired in the Solana ecosystem?
It depends on the project, but all types of developers (backend, frontend, or smart contract developers) are needed. The key is demonstrating your ability to execute and build a project effectively. Solana's ecosystem allows developers to focus on either frontend or backend, depending on the application's needs.
Are there React Native integrations for Solana?
Yes, Solana supports React Native. For example, there is a Cash App Clone built using React Native and Expo on Solana, which showcases how to build mobile applications on the platform.
How does Solana compare to Ethereum in terms of ecosystem strengths and weaknesses?
Solana's strength lies in its focus on building real applications with a user-centric approach, leading to higher user adoption. However, the ecosystem sometimes struggles with infrastructure keeping up with demand. In contrast, Ethereum's ecosystem is more focused on infrastructure but struggles with scaling issues, limiting the number of users.
How does Solana handle security vulnerabilities compared to Ethereum?
Solana's design prevents many vulnerabilities, such as reentrancy attacks, that are common in Ethereum. The Anchor framework used in Solana development has been designed to avoid many common security issues, making it difficult for developers to introduce vulnerabilities accidentally. For more information on security tools, you can explore
How can I stay updated on important announcements in the Solana community?
Follow key community members like Austin Federa on platforms like Twitter (X), and Solana Foundation to stay informed about significant updates and events in the Solana ecosystem.
Are there any courses or guides available for learning about program security and optimization in Solana?
Yes, Solana offers courses on program security and optimization. Check them out at:
How can I contribute to open-source projects within the Solana ecosystem?
One of the best ways to start contributing is through Anchor, a widely-used framework in Solana. Check out the list of issues marked as "good first issue" on their GitHub page.
Are there any specific job opportunities in Romania for Solana developers?
Yes, for instance, MetaWealth, a tokenized real estate company, is looking for a Senior Full Stack Developer. Check the job announcement here: MetaWealth Job Listing.
How can I keep up with Solana-related video content?
You can find various tutorials and discussions on YouTube, such as the Solana Ecosystem Call or check Solana learning platform.
Conclusion
This Solana Guide was put together by Comets of Web3 Blockchain Builders Community, a community made by builders, for builders.
Founded in Romania, Comets of Web3 aims to grow a vibrant community of over 10,000 blockchain developers. Our mission is to expand across Eastern Europe and become a leading voice in the blockchain building industry.
Check out all the courses from the First Romanian Solana Developers and more on our YouTube channel and website.