Solana Basics

Solana's Unique Account Model

Unlike Ethereum's account-based model, Solana uses a unique account architecture that enables parallel processing.

Account Types:

• Program Accounts: Store executable code
• Data Accounts: Store program state and user data
• System Accounts: Native Solana accounts (SOL balances)

Account Structure:

pub struct Account {
    pub lamports: u64,        // Account balance in lamports
    pub data: Vec,        // Account data
    pub owner: Pubkey,        // Program that owns this account
    pub executable: bool,     // Whether this account is executable
    pub rent_epoch: Epoch,    // Next epoch to pay rent
}

Key Concepts:

• Accounts are owned by programs
• Only the owner can modify account data
• Accounts must pay rent to stay alive
• Rent-exempt accounts are permanent