create your own Solana Token...in the terminal (2025 edition)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create your own cryptocurrency token on the Solana blockchain using the terminal. This guide is tailored for beginners and is designed to make the process straightforward and engaging, especially for teaching concepts of cryptocurrency to younger audiences.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

Before you start creating your token, ensure your development environment is ready.

1. Install Rust: Rust is essential for building on Solana.

   • Visit the Rust installation page and follow the instructions for your operating system.

2. Install Solana CLI: The Command Line Interface (CLI) is necessary for interacting with the Solana blockchain.

   • Open your terminal and run:

     sh -c "$(curl -sSfL https://release.solana.com/v1.10.32/install)"
     

   • After installation, add Solana to your path:

     export PATH="/home/your_username/.local/share/solana/install/active_release/bin:$PATH"
     

3. Verify Installation: Confirm that Solana is installed correctly by running:

   solana --version
   

Step 2: Create a New Wallet

A wallet is necessary to manage your tokens and handle transactions.

1. Generate a Wallet:

   • In your terminal, type:

     solana-keygen new
     

   • Follow the prompts to create a new wallet and save your recovery phrase securely.

2. Set Your Wallet as Default:

   • Run the command:

     solana config set --keypair ~/.config/solana/id.json
     

Step 3: Fund Your Wallet

To create a token, you need some SOL (Solana’s native cryptocurrency) to cover transaction fees.

1. Get SOL from a Faucet:

   • If you’re using the testnet, you can request SOL from a faucet. Use:

     solana airdrop 2
     

2. Check Your Balance:

   • Confirm you received the funds by running:

     solana balance
     

Step 4: Create Your Token

Now that everything is set up, you can create your token.

1. Use the Token Program:

   • Install the token program if you haven't already:

     cargo install spl-token-cli
     

2. Create the Token:

   • Run the following command to create your token:

     spl-token create-token
     

   • Make note of the token address that is displayed.

3. Create a Token Account:

   • You will need an account to hold your tokens:

     spl-token create-account <TOKEN_ADDRESS>
     

4. Mint Tokens:

   • Decide how many tokens you want to mint. Use:

     spl-token mint <TOKEN_ADDRESS> <AMOUNT>
     

Step 5: Managing Your Token

Once your token is created, you can manage it effectively.

1. Check Your Token Balance:

   • To see how many tokens you have, run:

     spl-token balance <TOKEN_ADDRESS>
     

2. Transfer Tokens:

   • To send tokens to another wallet, use:

     spl-token transfer <TOKEN_ADDRESS> <AMOUNT> <RECIPIENT_ADDRESS>
     

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully created your own cryptocurrency on the Solana blockchain. This process not only introduces you to blockchain technology but also provides a fun way to engage with family and teach them about digital currencies.

Next steps could include experimenting with the functionality of your token, exploring decentralized applications (dApps) on Solana, or even creating more complex projects with smart contracts.