Solana development means working in two layers:
- On-chain → Programs (smart contracts) run on the validator network
- Off-chain → Apps/scripts interact with programs via RPC
1. Keep Your Existing Skills
- Python → Great for automation, bots, and querying data with
solana-py. - JavaScript / TypeScript → Essential for frontends and tooling with
@solana/web3.js.
2. Learn the Solana Stack
- Solana CLI → Keys, airdrops, deployment, account inspection
- Anchor Framework → Beginner-friendly, reduces Rust boilerplate
- Test Environments → Localnet (offline), Devnet (public testnet)
- Wallets → Phantom, Solflare for signing transactions
- Explorer → View transactions, accounts, programs
3. Learn Rust for On-Chain Work
Focus on:
- Accounts and how they store state
- Instruction handlers (transaction logic)
- PDAs (Program Derived Addresses)
- CPI (calling other programs)
4. Key Solana Concepts
- Account-based state — data lives outside the program
- Transactions can have multiple instructions
- Low fees, but watch compute limits
- Recent blockhashes for transaction validity
💡 Pro Tip
Master the accounts model early — it’s the core mental model for Solana. Deploy small programs often and learn by iterating.