SPL
Documentation

Solana Features

Understanding Solana-specific token capabilities and the SPL Token standard.

SPL Token Standard

SPL (Solana Program Library) tokens are the standard for fungible tokens on Solana, similar to ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum but with key advantages:

Advantages

  • Ultra-low transaction fees (fractions of a penny)
  • Fast confirmation times (400ms average)
  • Built-in rent exemption for token accounts
  • Native freeze/thaw capabilities
  • Efficient batch operations

Key Concepts

  • Mint Account: Defines the token properties
  • Token Account: Holds tokens for a specific owner
  • Associated Token Account: Default token account per wallet
  • Mint Authority: Can create new tokens
  • Freeze Authority: Can freeze/unfreeze accounts
Authority Management

Solana tokens have two main authority types that control different aspects of the token:

Mint Authority

High Impact

Controls the ability to create new tokens, increasing the total supply.

Recommended: Revoke after initial mint for fixed-supply tokens

Freeze Authority

Moderate Impact

Allows freezing/unfreezing individual token accounts in emergency situations.

Use case: Compliance, security incidents, or regulatory requirements
Security Features

Immutable Tokens

Once mint authority is revoked, the token supply becomes permanently fixed. This provides strong guarantees to token holders about supply inflation.

Account Rent

Token accounts require a small SOL deposit (rent) to exist on-chain. This prevents spam and ensures accounts remain accessible.

Program Upgrades

The SPL Token program is immutable and battle-tested, providing security guarantees that token behavior won't change unexpectedly.

Technical Implementation

Our SPL Token Creator handles the complex technical details:

1
Mint Account Creation

Creates the token mint with specified decimals and authorities

2
Associated Token Account

Creates the recipient's token account automatically

3
Initial Mint

Mints the specified supply to the recipient account

4
Metadata Creation

Adds token metadata using the Metaplex standard

5
Authority Management

Optionally revokes mint authority for immutable supply