--- title: "Essential Solana developer tools to start building on Solana" description: "Learn About the Tools You Need to Start Building on Solana" --- # Essential Solana developer tools to start building on Solana In the past, a majority of blockchain and web3 development took place on the Ethereum blockchain. However, as competitor blockchains have surfaced in recent years, developers have begun to explore other blockchains in an effort to find a more developer-friendly and efficient solution. In this search, many have turned to the Solana blockchain. The Solana blockchain, one of the largest blockchains known for its efficient design, fast transaction speeds, and less crowded developer environment, solves many of the inefficiencies observed with the Ethereum network. In an effort to promote development, Solana has formed a strategic partnership with Alchemy with [Alchemy fully supporting Solana](https://alchemy.com/solana?a=f110498bf2). Earlier this summer, Alchemy announced its [expansion to the Solana ecosystem](https://www.alchemy.com/blog/solana-on-alchemy) in an effort to improve the Solana blockchain development experience. This article covers a broad introduction to Solana development through an array of explanations and tutorials. ## **Solana development tools** To start building on the Solana blockchain, devs must first [get a Solana RPC endpoint](https://www.alchemy.com/overviews/solana-rpc) and the correct developer environment configured. As a result, users must first become familiar with tools like the Solana Tool Suite, Rust, and Anchor. After you're familiar with the fundamental Solana developer tools, you can start interacting with more advanced tooling like [Metaplex](https://www.alchemy.com/overviews/metaplex), and you can start launching your smart contracts and [apps](https://www.alchemy.com/dapps/top/defi-dapps) to [the Solana Devnet](https://www.alchemy.com/overviews/solana-devnet). ### **Solana tool suite** The first step in creating a functional Solana developer ecosystem, is to install and become familiar with the [Solana tool suite](https://docs.solana.com/cli/install-solana-cli-tools), a strict prerequisite for many Solana developer tools like Anchor. #### **Solana tool suite setup** In order to set up the Solana Tool Suite for MacOS or Linux users, paste the following command into a terminal. For Windows users, paste the following command into a terminal. ### **Rust** Rust is a high-speed and stable programming language that is used to power a variety of software applications ranging from operating systems to blockchains. Specifically, the Solana blockchain is powered by the Rust programming language, necessitating its use for Solana-based blockchain development. #### **Rust setup** In order to set up Rust for MacOS or Linux users, paste the following command into a terminal. For Windows users, follow the detailed steps on [the Rust book's installation guide](https://www.rust-lang.org/tools/install). To ensure that Rust was properly installed and to practice development in Rust, we will compose a “Hello, World” program using the Rust programming language.  First, create a folder titled, “Hello_World_Rust” and cd into the folder with the command: Next, open the folder in preferred text editor \(i.e. Visual Studio Code, Atom, etc\). Once opened, create a file titled, “main.rs” Inside “main.rs” write and save: In the terminal, write: These steps should produce a functioning Rust program that prints “Hello World.” ### **Anchor** Anchor is a [Solana development framework](https://www.anchor-lang.com/docs/installation) that makes it easier to develop Solana-based programs and smart contracts. Anchor simplifies the Solana development process by providing boilerplate code and security infrastructure, allowing users to avoid dealing with the finicky inner-workings of an ordinary Solana program. As a result, Anchor is a pivotal tool in the Solana development ecosystem. #### **Anchor setup** To install Anchor, we must first install Anchor version manager \(AVM\). Open a terminal and paste the following command: Next, finish installing the Anchor software with the following command: To ensure that Anchor was properly installed, try composing an Anchor workspace using the command: In this folder, you will find the following main files and folders - Anchor.toml file - App folder - Programs folder - Tests folder - Migrations folder ### **Solana Web3.js** [Web3.js](https://www.alchemy.com/dapps/web3-js) for Solana is a Solana Javascript API built using the [Solana JSON RPC API](https://www.alchemy.com/docs/reference/solana-api-quickstart). Web3.js serves as an accessible interface for developers to interact with the Solana blockchain using Javascript, empowering engineers to build on the Solana blockchain.  #### **Web3.js setup** Installing Solana Web3.js is really easy. Go to your command line interface and run this command: ### **SPL-token** The SPL-Token package is another Javascript package that allows developers to mint, transfer, and interact with tokens native to the Solana blockchain, a necessity when developing software that requires Solana-based tokens to operate. #### **SPL-token setup** Installing the SPL-Token package is straightforward. Open your CLI environment and run this script: ### **Wallet-adapter** The [Wallet-Adapter javascript package](https://solanacookbook.com/getting-started/installation.html#wallet-adapter) allows developers to easily integrate [Solana-based wallets](https://www.alchemy.com/overviews/solana-wallets) like Phantom and [Solflare](https://www.alchemy.com/dapps/solflare) into their apps, facilitating easy access to Solana-based funds. #### **Wallet-adapter setup** To set up the Wallet-Adapter package, run: ## **Solana developer support** [Learning how to develop apps](https://www.alchemy.com/overviews/how-to-learn-web3-development) on a brand new blockchain can frustrate even seasoned developers. If you need help getting started on Solana, explore this collection of documentation, tools, and additional resources: - [Solana Discord](https://discord.com/invite/pquxPsq) - get support from Solana devs and developer relations team members - [Anchor Discord](https://discord.com/invite/ZCHmqvXgDw) - work with builders developing apps and maintaining the Anchor library - [Solana Playground](https://beta.solpg.io/) - start building on Solana directly from your browser ## **Solana tutorials and hackathons** Now that you have set up your Solana development environment, the next step in your journey as a Solana developer is to practice building with Solana's tools using [online tutorials, courses, and bootcamps](https://www.alchemy.com/overviews/best-web3-tutorials). One of the best ways to master a new blockchain is to learn by building Solana projects. In addition to following self-paced tutorials to reinforce knowledge, developers can also [attend Solana hackathons](https://www.alchemy.com/overviews/best-web3-hackathons) to meet use these essential tools in real-world projects. ### **Start building on Solana** In this article, you learned about the dev tooling required to start building on the Solana blockchain. You explored how to set up your local environment, Solana tutorials, and places to get support. Last step is to [sign up for a free Solana developer account](https://alchemy.com/solana?a=f110498bf2) on Alchemy and start building!