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### TL;DR
`surfpool` is to Solana what `anvil` is to Ethereum: a blazing fast ⚡️ in-memory testnet that has the ability to point-fork Solana mainnet instantly.
## Introduction
Surfpool provides a blazing-fast, developer-friendly simulation of Solana Mainnet that runs seamlessly on your local machine. It eliminates the need for high-performance hardware while maintaining an authentic testing environment.
Whether you're developing, debugging, or educating yourself on Solana, Surfpool gives you an instant, self-contained network that dynamically fetches missing Mainnet data as needed—no more manual account setups.
## Surfpool in action: 101 Series
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## Features
- Fast & Lightweight – Runs smoothly on any machine without heavy system requirements.
- Dynamic Account Fetching – Automatically retrieves necessary Mainnet accounts during transaction execution.
- Anchor Integration – Detects Anchor projects and deploys programs automatically.
- Educational & Debug-Friendly – Provides clear insights into transaction execution and state changes.
- Easy Installation – Available via Homebrew, Snap, and direct binaries.
## Installation
Install pre-built binaries:
```console
# macOS (Homebrew)
brew install txtx/taps/surfpool
# Updating surfpool for Homebrew users
brew tap txtx/taps
brew reinstall surfpool
# Linux (Snap Store)
# Note: there have been errors updating the Snap Store to the latest version
# While this is being resolved, Linux users should install from source
```
Install from source:
```console
# Clone repo
git clone https://github.com/txtx/surfpool.git
# Set repo as current directory
cd surfpool
# Build
cargo surfpool-install
```
Verify installation:
```console
surfpool --version
```
## Usage
Start a local Solana network with:
```console
surfpool start
```
If inside an Anchor project, Surfpool will:
- Automatically generate infrastructure as code (similar to Terraform).
- Deploy your Solana programs to the local network.
- Provide a clean, structured environment to iterate safely.
The command:
```console
surfpool start --help
```
Is documenting all the options available.
## Crypto Infrastructure as Code: A New Standard in Web3
Infrastructure as code (IaC) transforms how teams deploy and operate Solana programs:
- Declarative & Reproducible – Clearly defines environments, making deployments consistent.
- Auditable – Security teams can review not just the code of your Solana programs, but the way you will be deploying and operating your protocol.
- Seamless Transition to Mainnet – Test with the exact infrastructure that will go live.
With Surfpool, every developer learns to deploy Solana programs the right way—scalable, secure, and production-ready from day one.
## 🤖 MCP
- Surfpool is getting agentic friendly, thanks to a built-in MCP. We'll be adding more tools over time, the first use case we're covering is "Start a local network with 10 users loaded with SOL, USDC, JUP and TRUMP tokens" (#130 - @BretasArthur1, @lgalabru)
- To get started, make `surfpool` available globally by opening the command palette (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P) and selecting > Cursor Settings > MCP > Add new global MCP server:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"surfpool": {
"command": "surfpool",
"args": ["mcp"]
}
}
}
```
## Architecture & How to Contribute
Surfpool is built on the low-level solana-svm API, utilizing the excellent LiteSVM wrapper. This approach provides greater flexibility and significantly faster boot times, ensuring a smooth developer experience.
We are actively developing Surfpool and welcome contributions from the community. If you'd like to get involved, here’s how:
- Explore and contribute to open issues: [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/txtx/surfpool/issues?q=is%3Aissue%20state%3Aopen%20label%3A%22help%20wanted%22)
- Join the discussion on [Discord](https://discord.gg/rqXmWsn2ja)
- Get releases updates via [X](https://x.com/txtx_sol) or [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/surfpool)
Your contributions help shape the future of Surfpool, making it an essential tool for Solana developers worldwide.