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Surfpool

Surfpool is an open-source Solana developer tool that replaces solana-test-validator for local networks using real mainnet state, and provides declarative infrastructure configuration for on-chain and off-chain components.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Surfpool — OpenViST project profile in Developer Tools.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use Surfpool when a Solana development task benefits from realistic local state, repeatable environment configuration, or chain-state scenarios that can be curated for testing.

Who it is for

  • Solana application developers who need local testing against real mainnet state.
  • Protocol teams that want to reproduce account-state conditions for testing.
  • Developers defining repeatable Solana infrastructure or preparing a local setup for cloud use.

Documented uses

  • Start a local Solana network without downloading the full chain.
  • Test applications against mainnet-derived state and curated account conditions.
  • Simulate, debug, or replay transactions without touching mainnet.
  • Turn on-chain IDLs into queryable SQL schemas and sync chain data to SQLite or Postgres.
  • Define infrastructure declaratively and develop toward a cloud environment.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The project is open source under the Apache-2.0 license. The repository documents CLI installation, building from source, and Docker use.

  • Surfpool is positioned as a replacement for solana-test-validator and documents compatibility with solana-cli, Anchor, and Kit.
  • Its infrastructure-as-code approach covers both on-chain and off-chain infrastructure.
  • IDL-to-SQL supports local SQLite and Postgres data workflows.
  • The repository describes a local Studio dashboard and a cloud extension for indexing mainnet data and large-scale simulations.

Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.

Source-based practical guide

Install Surfpool and start a local Solana network

Install the CLI and bring up a local network for development.

Before you start

  • Use the documented installer, build-from-source route, or public Docker image.

Steps

  1. Install Surfpool using one of the repository’s documented installation methods.

  2. Run surfpool --version to check the installed command.

  3. Run surfpool start to start a local Solana network.

Expected outcome

A local Solana network is started; in an Anchor project, Surfpool says it can generate infrastructure configuration and deploy programs to that network.

Guide limitations

  • The guide covers starting a local network, not deploying to a cloud environment.
  • The repository directs users to surfpool start --help for command options.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
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Sources checked
8 October 2026
Original website title
solana-foundation/surfpool · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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