What is SPL Token? A Complete Guide to Tokens on Solana

When people talk about tokens on Solana, they’re usually referring to the SPL token - the standard set by the Solana Program Library (SPL).

If you’re new to Solana or just want to brush up on SPL token basics, this guide will help you understand how the token program works, why it’s written in Rust, and how developers and users can easily create and manage tokens on Solana.

By the end, you’ll learn two clear ways to create SPL tokens, with or without code.

SPL Token Basics: Understanding the Token Program on Solana

What is an SPL token? (vs ERC-20)

An SPL token is the standard token on Solana. It’s similar to Ethereum’s ERC-20, but instead of deploying a new contract per token, Solana uses one token program for all mints. That keeps the network lean, fast, and cheap.

You still define a token mint (name, symbol, decimal places) and send tokens between token accounts just without cloning contracts.

The role of the Solana Program Library (SPL)

The Solana Program Library (SPL) is a set of audited programs written in Rust. The spl-token program handles creation, mint, transfer, and manage operations for fungible and non-fungible tokens.

Developers build against official client libraries, check documentation, and review the on-chain repository to learn, install tools, and upgrade safely.

You can go CLI (build from source) or use SDKs to interact with tokens in your project.

Key features: speed, low fees, unified standard

• Throughput & fees: High TPS, low SOL cost per transaction. Great for airdrops and frequent send operations.
• Unified standard: One base token standard for fungible and NFT-like assets, with Token-2022 extensions for extra features when needed.
• Simple integration: Use the same program and API across wallets, dApps, and exchanges; fewer moving parts to secure and upgrade.

Token accounts, authorities, and metadata

Associated Token Accounts (ATAs): Each wallet address holds a dedicated account per token mint. ATAs are deterministic (PDA/program derived address), easy to generate, and simple to initialize from the CLI or code.

Authorities:

• Mint authority — create new tokens or lock supply.
• Freeze authority — optionally pause a token account.

You can transfer or revoke authorities to secure your implementation.

Metadata: Use Metaplex token metadata to store name, symbol, and URI. With token extension program (Token-2022) you can add features like transfer fees or metadata pointers.

Developer flow: Install the tools, import the package (npm or Rust crate), create a new mint, send a transaction, and follow the official documentation for commonly used instructions and code examples.

How the SPL Token Program Works: Build, Manage, and Secure Your Project

One program for every token on Solana

The SPL token program is a single on-chain program that powers all tokens on Solana. You don’t deploy a new contract per mint. You create a token mint that points to the same base program. This keeps the network lean, upgrades consistent, and fees low. It also standardizes how clients interact with spl tokens across wallets and dApps.

Associated Token Accounts (wallet integration, file & account management)

Tokens live in Associated Token Accounts (ATAs). Each wallet address gets one account per mint via a deterministic program derived address (PDA).

• Easy discovery: the ATA format lets apps generate and initialize accounts without storing extra file paths or IDs.
• Safer UX: users see predictable accounts; apps can send tokens between token accounts with fewer edge cases.
• Clean ops: rent-exempt ATAs reduce state bloat and simplify manage/secure flows.

Authorities and secure management practices

Every token mint defines authorities:

Mint authority controls supply. Lock it when distribution ends to secure the token.

Freeze authority can pause a compromised account; drop it if your policy requires immutability.
Best practice: document who holds authorities, how rotations happen, and when revocations occur. Use multisig, hardware wallets, and clear runbooks for incident response.

Extensions with Token-2022: metadata, upgrades, package improvements

The Token-2022 line adds optional extensions while staying compatible with the original token program. You can enable features like metadata pointers, transfer fees, interest, or CPI guard when your project needs them.

Rollout path: start simple, then upgrade to an extension as requirements grow.

Developer ergonomics: modern package registries (npm/crates) and maintained client APIs keep the build/create surface small.

Developer links: documentation, repository, clients, CLI

Use these as your base documentation set and wire them into your terminal/CLI workflow and app code:

Official docs: token basics, accounts, and commonly used instructions (creation, mint, transfer).

Repository (GitHub): solana-program/token for source, specs, and reference implementation.

JS/TS client: @solana/spl-token to import APIs for interacting with spl tokens in web apps.

Rust crates: spl-token and spl-token-2022 for on-chain program and off-chain client code.

CLI guide: build from source, run spl-token to create a new mint, initialize ATAs, and send a transaction.

This section covers the basics for interacting with SPL at the program level. Next, we’ll show two ways to create tokens - no-code with Tokenry, and build from source with the CLI.

Creating Tokens on Solana: Two Main Approaches

When you’re ready to create a token on Solana, there are two practical paths. One is built for speed and simplicity, the other for developers who prefer full control.

Option 1: No-Code Creation With Tokenry’s SPL Token Tool

The quickest way to launch an SPL token is through our no-code Solana token creator. You don’t need to install any package or run terminal commands.

The interface is simple:

Enter your token name, symbol, decimals, and supply.

Click deploy, and your token mint goes live within minutes.

Safety comes built-in. You can revoke mint or freeze authorities, manage supply, and link metadata without worrying about CLI mistakes. This makes it perfect for creators who want to generate and launch tokens fast, without touching code.

Option 2: Build From Source Using CLI (For Developers)

If you prefer the manual route, you can install the Solana CLI and the spl-token package to create tokens directly from your terminal. This method requires a bit more setup but gives full control over files, configs, and authority management.

A typical workflow looks like this:

1. Generate a wallet and fund it with SOL for fees.
2. Create a new token mint using the CLI.
3. Initialize Associated Token Accounts for holders.
4. Mint tokens, transfer them, or update authorities as needed.

This path is best for developers who want security guarantees, custom configuration, or who plan to integrate tokens into larger projects.

You can follow our step-by-step developer guide here: How to Create an SPL Token.

No-Code vs CLI: Which Method Should You Choose?