Complete installation and configuration guide for setting up your Solana App Kit development environment
This guide will walk you through setting up your development environment and getting your first Solana mobile app running in minutes.
Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed:
Download from nodejs.org - LTS version recommended
pnpm (recommended), npm, or pnpm - we recommend pnpm for better performance
Version control system - download from git-scm.com
Download from nodejs.org - LTS version recommended
pnpm (recommended), npm, or pnpm - we recommend pnpm for better performance
Version control system - download from git-scm.com
macOS Required: iOS development requires a Mac computer
Latest version from Mac App Store - includes iOS Simulator and build tools
Install with: sudo gem install cocoapods
Included with Xcode - for testing on virtual devices
With Android SDK - download from developer.android.com
Or physical Android device - for testing your applications
Version 11 or newer - required for Android builds
Install globally: npm install -g @expo/cli
For building and deployment: npm install -g eas-cli
One Command Setup
The fastest way to get started is using our CLI tool:
Automatic Process
This command will automatically:
Ready to Go
Your app will be running on iOS Simulator, Android Emulator!
That’s it! Most developers can skip the manual installation section below.
If you prefer to set up manually or need more control:
Clone the Repository
Install Dependencies
iOS Dependencies (iOS only)
The app requires several environment variables for full functionality:
Create Environment File
Configure Core Variables
Add your API keys and configuration to .env.local
:
Essential for core functionality:
Essential for core functionality:
For enhanced features:
Multi-chain Wallets - Register for 300+ wallet support
Enterprise Wallets - Apply for institutional-grade security
NFT Data - Get API access for NFT marketplace features
Market Data - Free API for token prices and market info
Token Analytics - Sign up for advanced token data
AI Features - Get API key for AI-powered interactions
The kit includes a powerful backend server for enhanced functionality:
Navigate to Server Directory
Install Server Dependencies
Configure Server Environment
Set Up Database
Start Backend Server
Server will be available at http://localhost:3000
Start Development Server
From the root directory:
Choose Your Platform
When the Expo server is running, use these keyboard shortcuts:
Press i
to open iOS simulator
Press a
to open Android emulator
Press w
to open in web browser
Press r
to reload the app
Press m
to toggle the menu
Press d
to open developer tools
Check Mobile App
✅ You should see the intro screen with wallet connection options
Verify Backend
✅ Check http://localhost:3000/health
returns 200 status
Test Wallet Connection
✅ Try connecting with any configured wallet provider
Navigate Features
✅ Navigate through the app’s main features
The app includes a special development mode for easier debugging:
Need Help? Join our Telegram community for real-time support from developers and maintainers.
Navigate through screens and discover the app’s features and capabilities
Understand the structure with our comprehensive project organization guide
Test wallet connections and explore token swaps, NFTs, and other functionality
Modify the app for your specific use case with practical examples
Ready to ship your app? Deploy to app stores with EAS Build:
Learn More: Check out the EAS Build documentation for detailed deployment instructions.