Solana Token Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of terms related to Solana token creation, management, and trading. Understanding these terms will help you navigate the Solana ecosystem with confidence.

A

Associated Token Account (ATA)

A wallet's token account for a specific SPL token. Each wallet has one ATA per token type. ATAs are created automatically when you first receive a token.

Authority

Permissions that control token functions. Mint authority allows creating new tokens. Freeze authority allows freezing accounts. Update authority allows changing metadata. These can be revoked to make tokens more trustworthy.

B

Blockchain

A distributed ledger that records transactions across many computers. Solana is a blockchain network optimised for speed and low costs.

Block Explorer

A tool for viewing blockchain transactions and data. Solscan is the most popular Solana block explorer, similar to Etherscan for Ethereum.

C

Canonical Mint

The official mint address for a token. This is the unique identifier that distinguishes one token from another on Solana.

Creator

The person or entity that created a token. Creator information can be included in token metadata for transparency.

D

Decimals

The number of decimal places a token uses. Most Solana tokens use 9 decimals, matching SOL. This determines the smallest unit of the token.

DEX (Decentralised Exchange)

A platform for trading cryptocurrencies without a central authority. Popular Solana DEXs include Raydium, Orca, and Jupiter.

Devnet

A test network for Solana where tokens and transactions don't have real value. Used for testing before deploying to mainnet.

F

Freeze Authority

The ability to freeze token accounts, preventing transfers. This authority can be revoked to prevent freezing and build trust.

Fungible Token

A token where each unit is identical and interchangeable. Most SPL tokens are fungible, unlike NFTs where each token is unique.

L

Lamports

The smallest unit of SOL. One SOL equals 1,000,000,000 lamports. Named after Solana co-founder Les Lamport.

Liquidity Pool

A pool of tokens and SOL (or another token) that enables trading on a DEX. Adding liquidity makes your token tradeable.

M

Mainnet

The production Solana network where real transactions occur and tokens have actual value. Contrast with devnet.

Metadata

Information about a token including name, symbol, description, and logo. Metadata helps users identify and understand tokens. Learn more in our metadata guide.

Mint

To create new tokens. Also refers to the mint address, which is the unique identifier for a token type.

Mint Address

The unique identifier for a token on Solana. This address never changes and is used to add tokens to wallets and identify them on exchanges.

Mint Authority

The permission to create new tokens of a specific type. This authority can be revoked to cap the total supply permanently.

N

NFT (Non-Fungible Token)

A unique token where each unit is different. NFTs on Solana are also SPL tokens, just with a supply of 1.

P

Program

On-chain code that runs on Solana. The SPL Token Program handles all token operations.

R

RPC (Remote Procedure Call)

A connection to the Solana blockchain. Wallets and applications use RPC endpoints to read blockchain data and submit transactions.

Revoke

To permanently remove an authority (mint, freeze, or update) from a token. This makes the token more trustworthy by preventing future changes. See our authority revocation guide.

S

Seed Phrase

A series of words that can restore access to a wallet. Keep this secure and never share it. Also called a recovery phrase or mnemonic.

SOL

Solana's native cryptocurrency. Used for transaction fees and staking. Not to be confused with SPL tokens, which are custom tokens built on Solana.

Solscan

The most popular block explorer for Solana. Used to view transactions, token details, and wallet balances.

SPL (Solana Program Library)

The collection of on-chain programs that define how tokens work on Solana. SPL tokens are tokens created using the SPL Token Program. Learn more about what SPL tokens are.

Supply

The total number of tokens that exist or can exist. Can be fixed (capped) or unlimited (if mint authority isn't revoked).

T

Token Account

A storage location for tokens in a wallet. Each wallet has separate token accounts for each token type it holds.

Tokenomics

The economic model of a token, including supply, distribution, utility, and value mechanisms. Good tokenomics are essential for long-term success. See our tokenomics guide.

Transaction

An operation on the blockchain, such as creating a token, transferring tokens, or revoking authority. Each transaction has a signature that proves it occurred.

U

Update Authority

The permission to change a token's metadata. This authority can be revoked to lock metadata permanently, which builds trust with holders.

W

Wallet

Software that stores your private keys and allows you to interact with the blockchain. Popular Solana wallets include Phantom, Solflare, and Backpack. See our wallet support guide.

Wallet Address

A public identifier for your wallet, derived from your public key. This is what you share to receive tokens or SOL.