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 --version shows 1.91.1.
• Add wasm/sbf targets via Agave platform tools. cargo build-sbf --version succeeds.
• Install rustfmt and clippy components. cargo fmt --version works.
• 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 --version matches.
• Install agave-install and verify. agave-install --version available.
• Set default cluster to devnet for onboarding. solana config get shows devnet URL.
• Create default keypair or use team policy path. solana-keygen pubkey prints address.
• Request devnet airdrop (2 SOL). solana balance > 0 on devnet.
• Confirm spl-token CLI present. spl-token --version runs.

Anchor

• Install avm (Anchor Version Manager). avm --version works.
• Install and use Anchor CLI 0.32.1. anchor --version -> 0.32.1.
• Verify anchor-lang 0.32.1 in template Cargo.toml. Matches CLI.
• Run anchor init smoke test in temp dir. anchor build succeeds.

Node / TypeScript (for clients)

• Install Node LTS (20+). node --version recorded in team .nvmrc.
• Install @solana/kit@7.0.0 in template app. npm ls @solana/kit shows 7.0.0.
• Optional: install gill for app bootstrap. Matches kit major.

Local Validator & Testing

• Run solana-test-validator once. RPC at http://127.0.0.1:8899 responds.
• Deploy sample program to local validator. solana program deploy succeeds.
• Install LiteSVM 0.6.x dev-dep in program crate. cargo test runs LiteSVM case.
• Optional: install Surfpool 0.12.0. surfpool --version for fork sims.

Python (optional backend track)

• Python 3.11+ venv created. python --version documented.
• pip install solders solana anchorpy. Import smoke test passes.

Verification Script

• Run team doctor script 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

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.