100 Days of Solana: Week 2

Two weeks into the #100DaysOfSolana challenge, and I’m finding that the most valuable part of this journey isn't just the code I'm writing, but the perspective I'm gaining.

From User to Developer: My Backstory

I’ve been a user of the Solana ecosystem since 2021—long before I ever typed my first line of code. In fact, Solana is one of the main reasons I started programming in the first place.

The ease of use and the near-instant transaction settlement were phenomenal then, and they still are today. It sparked a genuine curiosity that shifted me from just using the tech to wanting to build with it.

The @solana/kit

Coming into the second week, one of my biggest takeaways has been working with the @solana/kit. Knowing that a whole kit is written to implement blockchain functionality easily is a game-changer for someone coming from a web dev background. It makes the integration feel intuitive rather than overwhelming.

Why Slow and Steady Wins the Race

The format of this challenge—taking things slow and guided from a web developer's perspective—has been incredibly beneficial for my understanding of real-world implementation.

When you first start with Solana, the temptation is to jump straight in with:
npm create solana-dapp@latest

While that tool is powerful, it’s often too much in one go. For a learner, it generates a massive boilerplate that can hide the underlying logic. Plus, managing the multiple vulnerabilities that often come from installing a whole premade project with heavy dependencies can be a major distraction.

Looking Ahead

I am genuinely grateful for this specific format. It allows me to build a solid foundation without getting lost in the noise of complex scaffolding.

I’m excited to keep learning and pushing forward until I can create something entirely my own utilizing blockchain technology.

See you all in Week 3! 🚀