Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Understanding Solana's Architecture

Solana’s architecture is unique and optimized for speed and scalability.

Programs and Accounts

• Programs: Stateless code executed on-chain.

• Accounts: Store state (data and lamports).

• Transactions contain instructions that modify accounts.

Rent and Lamports

• Rent: Accounts must maintain a minimum balance to stay active.

• Lamports: The smallest unit of SOL (1 SOL = 1 billion lamports).

---

Page Layout:

• Header: Fixed top bar with "Solana Learn" logo, navigation, and profile icon.

• Main Content:

  • Left Panel (60%): This text content.

  • Right Panel (40%): Diagram of program-account relationships.

• Footer: Link to Solana Account Model.

Visuals:

• Diagram: Programs (gear) and accounts (wallet) with transaction arrows.

• Icons: Gear (Programs), Wallet (Accounts).

Interactivity:

• Hover over diagram for descriptions (e.g., "Accounts store state").