Environment Setup Checklist
Install and verify the Solana developer toolchain on macOS or Linux: Rust 1.91.1, Agave 4.1.1 / Solana CLI 3.0.10, Anchor 0.32.1, and a working local validator path.
How to Use This Checklist
- Complete in one sitting (30-60 minutes on fast network).
- Copy/paste commands into a terminal log for buddy review if stuck.
- Re-run version checks after OS updates or shell profile changes.
Rust Toolchain
- Install rustup and stable 1.91.1.
rustc --versionshows 1.91.1. - Add wasm/sbf targets via Agave platform tools.
cargo build-sbf --versionsucceeds. - Install rustfmt and clippy components.
cargo fmt --versionworks. - Optional: rust-analyzer in editor. Open program crate and see types.
Agave / Solana CLI
- Install Solana CLI 3.0.10 (Agave 4.1.1 channel).
solana --versionmatches. - Install
agave-installand verify.agave-install --versionavailable. - Set default cluster to devnet for onboarding.
solana config getshows devnet URL. - Create default keypair or use team policy path.
solana-keygen pubkeyprints address. - Request devnet airdrop (2 SOL).
solana balance> 0 on devnet. - Confirm
spl-tokenCLI present.spl-token --versionruns.
Anchor
- Install
avm(Anchor Version Manager).avm --versionworks. - Install and use Anchor CLI 0.32.1.
anchor --version-> 0.32.1. - Verify
anchor-lang0.32.1 in templateCargo.toml. Matches CLI. - Run
anchor initsmoke test in temp dir.anchor buildsucceeds.
Node / TypeScript (for clients)
- Install Node LTS (20+).
node --versionrecorded in team.nvmrc. - Install
@solana/kit@7.0.0in template app.npm ls @solana/kitshows 7.0.0. - Optional: install
gillfor app bootstrap. Matches kit major.
Local Validator & Testing
- Run
solana-test-validatoronce. RPC athttp://127.0.0.1:8899responds. - Deploy sample program to local validator.
solana program deploysucceeds. - Install LiteSVM 0.6.x dev-dep in program crate.
cargo testruns LiteSVM case. - Optional: install Surfpool 0.12.0.
surfpool --versionfor fork sims.
Python (optional backend track)
- Python 3.11+ venv created.
python --versiondocumented. -
pip install solders solana anchorpy. Import smoke test passes.
Verification Script
- Run team
doctorscript or manual version block:
rustc --version # 1.91.1
solana --version # 3.0.10
anchor --version # 0.32.1
cargo build-sbf --version
node --version- Paste output into onboarding ticket. Buddy confirms pins.
FAQs
Apple Silicon notes?
Use aarch64 Agave binaries; some Docker images need platform: linux/amd64 for CI parity.
WSL on Windows?
Supported with Linux toolchain; USB ledger may need extra setup.
Multiple Anchor versions?
avm use 0.32.1 per repo; do not rely on global default.
PATH issues?
Ensure ~/.local/share/solana/install/active_release/bin precedes old Solana 1.x paths.
Corporate proxy?
Configure cargo and npm proxies before installs.
Docker-only dev?
Acceptable if version pins inside image match checklist output.
Insufficient disk?
Agave ledger + target/ need several GB - prune old artifacts weekly.
CI parity?
Mirror these versions in GitHub Actions matrix.
Hardware wallet?
Optional for onboarding; devnet uses file keypairs first.
When to install Jito CLI?
Only for MEV-related roles - not required for checklist completion.
Related
- Onboarding Devs Checklist - full ramp
- Toolchain Overview - what each tool does
- Version Management - switching versions
- Local Dev Basics - validator workflows
Stack versions: This page was written for Agave 4.1.1, Solana CLI 3.0.10, Anchor 0.32.1, anchor-lang 0.32.1, Rust 1.91.1, @solana/kit 7.0.0, Surfpool 0.12.0, and LiteSVM 0.6.x.