Solana NFT – how to build your own token marketplace?

Maciej Zieliński

14 Oct 2021
Solana NFT – how to build your own token marketplace?

The NFT boom isn’t over yet. In fact, it has barely started. The new Solana NFTs projects prove that. What do you need to know about the solutions that may bring NFTs to the mainstream for good?

You are probably aware of the many NFT projects built on the Ethereum or Binance Smart chain. In fact, the Ethereum blockchain still remains the most popular solution for minting and selling NFTs. Yet, because of skyrocketing gas fees and general system network overload, the need for alternatives is constantly increasing. Recently, one strong competitor emerged: Solana. 

Solana blockchain 

Launched in 2020 by the Solana foundation, Solana Blockchain aims to solve scaling problems that struggle with most of the contemporary blockchain protocols. Its main objective is to support DeFi ecosystem growth by fitting in the so-called blockchain trilemma: decentralization, security, and scalability.

Combining those three factors seems to be the holy grail of the blockchain world. Many projects succeed in supporting one or even two of the factors, but fail when it comes to others. Solana engineers believe that they have implemented all three. 

Solana vs Ethereum
Solana vs Ethereum

The hybrid consensus algorithm 

Solana is a third-generation blockchain that, unlike other blockchains, uses a hybrid consensus algorithm. To be more precise, it combines proof-of-history (PoH) with proof-of-stake (PoS). Due to that, it’s able to process over 50,000 transactions per second. For comparison, Ehereum can’t handle more than 30 at a time. Now you know why expectations toward Solana are so high.

SOL

Did Solana creators succeed? Its native currency, SOL, quickly became the 8-largest cryptocurrency with a capitalization of over 43 000 000 000 USD. Therefore, maybe we can assume that they did… At least many believe that.

Solana NFTs 

Ok, so we have a fast, very promising blockchain with quickly increasing popularity. Why shouldn’t we use it for NFT minting? Many of the recently emerged NFT projects prove that it might be a tremendous idea. 

What new possibilities can the Solana ecosystem bring to the world of NFTs? Think about 3D NFT or whole NFT-based games with mechanics mostly performed on-chain. Because of high gas prices, it would never be possible on Ethereum. The low fees and high speed that Solana offers may open entirely new doors for NFT development. 

Solana NFT
Solana NFT

Solana NFT projects

During the last few months, we have observed a true boom among Solana NFTs marketplaces. I’d like to give you a few examples of the most interesting projects:

Solanart

According to its creators, Solanart is the first fully developed NFT marketplace build on the Solana blockchain. With many great projects listed on it and many more to come, it is more than promising. 

Solanart
Solanart

Lollapalooza x Solana NFT

Do you still have doubts that NFTs will change entertainment for good? Check how Lolapalloza, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, enables fans and artists to connect directly by launching their own NFT marketplace.

Lolla NFT is one of the first projects of this kind and it’s built entirely on the Solana blockchain. 

Lolla NFT
Lolla NFT

Building the Solana NFT marketplace 

If you’re thinking about launching your own NFT platform, the Solana blockchain is an important option to consider. Low transaction fees and high speed bring totally new possibilities that attract both creators and investors. After all, it’s a great way to capitalize on one of the most recent trends in the blockchain industry. 

Building the Solana NFT Marketplace step by step
Building the Solana NFT Marketplace step by step

Building the Solana NFT Marketplace Step by Step 

Establish the goals and requirements for your new project. 

In this phase, don’t forget about legal aspects. Different jurisdictions have different regulations. You must be aware of that. 

Prepare a White paper.

It should summarize all the new features you want to include in your marketplace. Not sure how to write a White paper? Choose a blockchain development company that can handle more than just software. In Nextrope, our clients often decide on complex services which start with the business and legal consulting. 

Develop the backend of your exchange.

Here you are going to need the best professionals available. Make sure they are familiar with the Solana blockchain as well as they have previous experience with creating a scalable NFT marketplace. Check out our article Blockchain developer – how to hire the right professional to learn how to find the right specialists.

Design frontend. 

Quality UX and UI are your keys to success. 

Integrate compatible wallets.

Enable your users to store their NFTs in a secure way. One of the most popular choices for Solana NFTs is Phantom Wallet.

On every stage directly involving blockchain technology, you will have to decide between hiring developers in-house and outsourcing them. Our article on outsourcing vs insourcing blockchain may help you. 

The testing phase. 

Make sure everything is on point. Fix all the bugs and glitches. 

Prepare beta version. 

Check if platform operation complies with your requirements.

Maintenance. 

Work on the marketplace doesn’t stop with its launch. If you decide to hire a custom software development company, make sure they will also handle maintenance and further development. 

Conclusion 

Solana is one of the fastest developing phenomena in the DeFi.  Same as NFT. A combination of the two may be the next great trend in the industry. With the abundance of new possibilities, we can expect a rapid growth of new NFT projects in the Solana ecosystem.

Low transaction fees and high speed combined with top-notch security are good reasons to consider Solana while building your own NFT marketplace. If you are looking for a technology partner that will help you choose the right blockchain and develop a scalable solution, contact our professionals who will be happy to answer all your questions.

Tagi

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What is Account Abstraction?

Karolina

10 Nov 2023
What is Account Abstraction?

Account abstraction is a new way of thinking about how users interact with blockchains. Instead of using traditional externally owned accounts (EOAs), account abstraction allows users to create and manage their accounts using smart contracts. This has a number of potential benefits, including improved security, enhanced privacy, and increased flexibility.

What is account abstraction?

Account abstraction is a concept that, at its core, aims to simplify the user's interaction with blockchain networks. It is a transformative approach that seeks to mask the technicalities of blockchain operations from end-users. It is making transactions as straightforward as sending an email. Account Abstr. allows users to interact with the blockchain without worrying about the underlying technical details.

How does account abstraction differ from the traditional model?

In the traditional account model, each user has an EOA. EOAs are controlled by private keys, which must be kept secret in order to protect the user's funds. Acc. abstraction allows users to create and manage their accounts using smart contracts.

Historical Context

The journey towards acc. abstraction began with the first generation of blockchain technologies, characterized by their "one-size-fits-all" approach to account management. Bitcoin, for instance, introduced the concept of accounts and transactions in a form that was accessible to tech-savvy individuals but remained perplexing to the layperson. Ethereum expanded on this by introducing smart contracts, which opened the door to programmable transactions but did not alter the fundamental account structure. The idea of acc. abstraction has been discussed in the Ethereum community for several years as a part of various Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), particularly as a feature to be potentially implemented in Ethereum 2.0. It is a direct response to the need for a more versatile and user-centric design that can cater to a broader audience and spur the widespread adoption of blockchain technology.

The Technicalities of Account Abstraction

Account abstraction is not merely a theoretical construct but a technical innovation with specific mechanisms underpinning its operation. In essence, it alters the way transactions are initiated and executed within a blockchain network.

How Account Abstraction Works

Under traditional blockchain models, initiating a transaction involves an externally owned account (EOA) signing a transaction with a private key. This transaction is then broadcast to the network for validation and inclusion in the blockchain. Account abstraction, however, replaces this process with a more flexible one. Here, every account is a smart contract, and transactions are messages sent through these contracts. These smart contracts can encode complex rules for transaction validation, beyond what EOAs can do, such as multi-signature requirements or conditional transactions based on certain triggers.

The technical crux of account abstraction lies in the smart contract’s ability to define its own conditions for transaction execution. This means that user accounts can have unique security protocols or automated operations without the user needing to understand the underlying smart contract code.

Hey! Are you interested in the latest technologies in the blockchain area? be sure to read the article 'Top Zero-Knowledge Proof Projects to watch in 2023'

The Benefits of Account Abstraction

The implications of account abstraction are profound, offering a range of benefits that can enhance the blockchain experience for users and developers alike.

Improved User Experience

One of the most significant advantages of account abstraction is the improvement it brings to user experience. By abstracting away the complexities of key management and transaction rules, it presents a more intuitive interface for users.

Enhanced Security Features

Account abstraction also allows for the implementation of advanced security measures. Since each account can define its own logic, users can tailor their security settings to their specific needs. For instance, one might set up an account that requires additional verification for transactions exceeding a certain value or restricts withdrawals to certain addresses.

Future Implications

The future implications of account abstraction are vast. As the technology matures, it could become a standard feature of blockchain networks, potentially making the current distinction between user accounts and smart contracts obsolete. This could lead to a new wave of blockchain applications that are both powerful and accessible, bringing us closer to the vision of blockchain technology as a seamless part of everyday life.

Challenges and Considerations

Technical Limitations

One of the primary technical challenges of Acc. abstraction lies in its integration with existing blockchain protocols. Current networks are optimized for the EOA model, and introducing a new account structure necessitates significant changes to the core protocol. This includes modifications to the way transactions are propagated in the network, how gas fees are calculated, and how the state of the blockchain is managed. Ensuring that these changes do not compromise the network's performance or security requires careful planning and extensive testing.

Compatibility with Current Systems

Another consideration is the compatibility of account abstr. with the vast ecosystem of existing blockchain applications and services. Wallets, exchanges, and other services have been built around the traditional account model. Transitioning to an acc. abstraction model will require these services to update their infrastructure, which may be a complex and resource-intensive process. Furthermore, there is a need for standardization across the industry to ensure that different implementations of account abstr. can work seamlessly together.

Conclusion

Acc. abstraction represents a significant leap forward in the quest for a more user-friendly blockchain experience. By streamlining the transaction process and offering enhanced security features, acc abstraction has the potential to make blockchain technology more accessible to a broader audience. However, the path to widespread adoption is not without its obstacles. Technical challenges and compatibility issues must be carefully navigated to integrate it into the existing blockchain landscape.

Key Takeaways

How to Add Gnosis Chain to MetaMask: A Simple Tutorial

Karolina

03 Nov 2023
How to Add Gnosis Chain to MetaMask: A Simple Tutorial

As the cryptocurrency ecosystem expands, there is an increasing need for various blockchains with distinct capabilities. Gnosis Chain enters the scene, offering a selection of unique characteristics. By integrating Gnosis Chain with MetaMask, users can access a more comprehensive array of decentralized services. We will walk you through the steps to add Gnosis Chain to your MetaMask wallet in this tutorial.

Prerequisites

Setting up MetaMask

Before exploring the integration of Gnosis Chain, it is crucial to have MetaMask installed and operational:

  • Download and Install: If you have not done so already, visit the official website to download and install the MetaMask browser extension.
  • Setup Account: After completing the installation, create your account and make sure to remember the provided seed phrase. This phrase serves as your primary means for account recovery, so keep it secure.
  • Secure Your Account: Protecting your MetaMask account is of utmost importance. Use a robust password and never disclose your seed phrase to anyone.

Gnosis Chain

It is always helpful to have a basic understanding before incorporating any new blockchain into your wallet:

  • Gnosis Chain Overview: Gnosis Chain, a rising star in the blockchain world, brings a range of decentralized solutions to the table, such as prediction markets and decentralized trading platforms.
  • Benefits & Features: Among Gnosis Chain's main selling points are its accelerated transaction speeds and potentially lower fees when compared to congested networks.

Tutorial: How to Add Gnosis Chain to MetaMask

In the top right-hand corner of your browser, you'll find the wallet. If pinned, click on the MetaMask fox icon; if not, click the three dots in the top-right corner. The following screen will appear:

An option to expand the wallet to a new browser page is available by clicking "Expand view:"

This action will launch MetaMask in a new tab:

By clicking on the ‘Ethereum mainnet’ in the top left corner, you can add another network. Click ‘Add Network’

Choose option ‘Add a network manually’

Then, input the information below:

Network Name: Gnosis Chain formerly xDai

RPC URL: https://rpc.gnosischain.com

ChainID: 100

Symbol: XDAI

Block Explorer URL: https://gnosisscan.io

After saving the settings, Gnosis Chain will be added to your network.

The Benefits of Adding Gnosis Chain to MetaMask

With multiple blockchains becoming more common, integrating Gnosis Chain with MetaMask offers numerous advantages:

Expanded Capabilities: Accessing Gnosis Chain through MetaMask opens up a collection of exclusive applications and features inherent to this particular blockchain, which may include unique dapps or cutting-edge financial products.

Diversification: The crypto domain is extensive and constantly growing. By incorporating various chains like Gnosis into MetaMask, you broaden your potential investment opportunities and decentralized application experiences, ensuring no opportunities are missed.

Speed & Cost-Effectiveness: Network congestion and high gas fees on established platforms like Ethereum can discourage many users. Gnosis Chain's architecture has the potential to provide relief through quicker transaction times and more affordable fees.

In summary, as the possibilities within the crypto sphere continue to evolve, tools like MetaMask grant users access to this expanding world. By adding chains like Gnosis, users can stay ahead in this decentralized revolution.

Conclusion

By bridging platforms like Gnosis Chain with accessible tools like MetaMask, individuals not only amplify their engagement with decentralized applications but also fortify their position in this expansive realm. The integration of Gnosis Chain to MetaMask epitomizes the evolution of the crypto landscape – a testament to its ever-growing diversity and potential. As we continue to delve deeper into the decentralized future, tools and integrations like these will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our digital experiences and opportunities. Whether you're seeking more efficient transactions, diverse dapp interactions, or simply a broader understanding of the crypto ecosystem, this guide's steps open doors to a new horizon. 

Tagi