Anchor Framework (Beginner to Intermediate)

If you can write basic Rust and run Solana CLI commands, you can learn Anchor.

This module starts simple and gets progressively harder. You will go from "What is an Anchor account context?" to building token and escrow flows with CPI and security checks.

What You Will Build

• A local Anchor workspace you can run confidently
• A first program (Counter) with tests
• PDA-based state accounts
• SPL token flows (minting and transfers)
• A small escrow system
• CPI patterns and intermediate design tradeoffs

Learning Path

1. anchor-local-setup - Install tools, create workspace, run your first tests
2. anchor-core-concepts - Understand instructions, accounts, signers, and constraints
3. anchor-program-anatomy - Learn how Anchor projects are structured end to end
4. first-anchor-program - Build and test a Counter program step by step
5. pda-seed-derivation - Use deterministic addresses safely
6. spl-token-integration - Work with token accounts and token programs
7. token-minting-project - Build a mint authority flow with Anchor
8. escrow-mechanism-project - Add state machines and controlled release
9. cpi-cross-program - Call other programs from your program
10. anchor-ergonomics - Improve code quality, testing, and maintainability
11. defi-integration-challenge - Ship a capstone-style integration plan

Prerequisites

• Comfortable with Rust basics (struct, enum, Result)
• Solana CLI installed and configured for devnet or localnet
• Node.js and a package manager (pnpm/npm)
• Basic understanding of Solana accounts and transactions

How To Use This Module

• Read each lesson fully once.
• Run commands as you go.
• Do the "Try this next" tasks.
• Keep your own notes.md with errors you hit and how you fixed them.

Outcome

By the end of this module, you should be able to design and test a non-trivial Anchor program, explain your account model, and build a clean client interface for it.

Start with: anchor-local-setup.