Solana is a blockchain platform designed to facilitate decentralized app (dApp) development and support crypto-currency transactions. What sets Solana apart is its hybrid protocol system and unique timestamp technology, which is centered around a mechanism called Proof-of-History (PoH). This system creates a verifiable and secure timestamp for each transaction, which allows nodes to process transactions without needing to communicate with one another, significantly speeding up the transaction processing time.

Solana utilizes a unique model, where PoH works in tandem with a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. PoH allows for the recording of the order of events and the time that has passed between them, which mitigates the need for traditional consensus-building processes. The PoS mechanism then finalizes these transactions and secures the network by allowing validators with a stake (investment) in the system to propose and vote on the validity of new blocks.

"The goal of Solana is to carry transactions as fast as news travels around the world," according to Anatoly Yakovenko, the co-founder and CEO of Solana Labs. With its architectural design, Solana has the capability to handle thousands of transactions per second, positioning it among the faster blockchain networks. This focus on transaction speed is in line with Yakovenko's stated vision for the blockchain. In addition, Solana's fee model, which emphasizes lower transaction costs, may be seen as an appealing feature for both businesses and individual users.

SOL is used in two ways:

• Pay for transaction fees: Though Solana's fees are supposed to be cheaper than those of other cryptocurrencies, it still charges a fee to send transactions or run smart contracts, the blockchain-based computer programs that cut out intermediaries from digital transactions. Smart contracts are the building blocks of more complicated apps on Solana, such as finance apps or apps for music streaming.
• Staking: Like many other blockchains, Solana is secured through a consensus mechanism. People who want to help secure the cryptocurrency by being a "validator," can "stake" some of their SOL, or lock it up to secure the network and earn money while doing so.

Solana is an inflationary cryptocurrency with no hard cap on the total number of tokens. It has a starting annual inflation rate of 8%, which will decrease by 15% every year until it reaches 1.5%, which will be the fixed long-term rate.

Thirty-seven percent of the SOL tokens that were initially distributed went to investors, 25% was split between Solana's team and the Solana Foundation, the nonprofit steering development of the cryptocurrency, and 38% was sent to Solana Foundation's community fund reserve.

After the launch of SOL in March 2020, SOL's price bounced between $0.50 and $1.50 for the rest of the year. Then, SOL became one of the top-performing assets amid the crypto bull run in 2021, as its price hit $55.91 by May 2021. Though it dipped to as low as $23.49 in July 2021, SOL's price surged again in the second half of the year, hitting its all-time high of $258.93 in November 2021.

The Solana blockchain is known for its high-throughput and scalable infrastructure, making it an option for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) creation and trading. With the capability to handle high-speed and low-cost transactions, Solana has become a platform where NFT artists, collectors, and developers can operate. NFTs on Solana are represented as unique digital assets with distinct ownership and metadata. This enables the representation of various digital artifacts like art, music, and virtual real estate. Solana's relationship with NFTs represents an intersection between emerging blockchain technology and the growing field of digital assets, though the platform's suitability may vary based on individual needs and preferences.

Solana has emerged as a competitive player in the NFT market, holding a strong position among various blockchains. According to data from CryptoSlam, as of April 2023, Solana ranks third in key metrics such as sales, number of buyers and number of sellers. With total NFT sales amounting to over $4.13 billion, Solana's performance is notably competitive with leading blockchains like Ronin and Flow, although significantly behind Ethereum, the market leader.

To purchase Solana (SOL) on a centralized exchange, first, choose a reputable crypto exchange that supports SOL, such as Coinbase, Binance or Kraken. Create an account by providing your email address and setting a strong password.

For security, complete the identity verification process, which typically requires a photo ID. After verifying your account, secure it further by enabling two-factor authentication. You can then deposit funds using a bank transfer, credit card or other payment methods available on the exchange.

Once your account is funded, navigate to the Solana trading section of the crypto exchange, select the appropriate trading pair (like SOL/USD) and execute your purchase. Always review the transaction details before executing the transaction.

You can also purchase Solana on decentralized exchanges. Decentralized crypto exchanges (DEX) operate without a central authority, allowing direct peer-to-peer transactions to be made without an intermediary party.

To buy Solana on a DEX such as Jupiter or Raydium, you will first need a wallet compatible with the Solana network. Ensure your wallet is funded with enough crypto to complete the purchase and cover transaction fees. Connect your wallet to the DEX website; this often involves scanning a QR code or selecting a wallet connection option.

Once connected, choose the trading pair that matches your funding source (e.g., SOL/USDC). Set the amount of SOL you wish to buy and check the current liquidity and slippage to ensure you receive a fair exchange rate. Confirm the transaction in your wallet, and once it’s processed, the purchased SOL will appear in your wallet. Remember, trading on a DEX removes the intermediary but requires careful handling of your private keys and wallet security.

Solana was founded by software engineer Anatoly Yakovenko in 2017 and after three years of development, the platform and token were launched.

Solana's investors include Multicoin Capital, Distributed Global, BlockTower Capital, Foundation Capital, Blockchange Ventures, Slow Ventures, NEO Global Capital, Passport Capital and Rockaway Ventures.

In August 2022, CoinDesk reported Ian Macalinao, the chief architect of Solana's once mighty stablecoin exchange Saber, hid behind anonymous developer accounts to pump billions of dollars into his DeFi empire.