Introduction: Not Just 'Buying Coins'

When many people first encounter Solana (SOL), the first step is to purchase tokens. But do you know that SOL actually plays a very important role throughout the entire Solana blockchain? Whether you are an investor, developer, or user, understanding the actual application scenarios of SOL can help assess its value and prospects more comprehensively.

How do beginners buy Solana (SOL) on Gate.io

Image:https://www.gate.io/trade/SOL_USDT
1. Register an account
Access Gate.io Official WebsiteClick 'Sign Up', fill in your email, set a password, and complete the account creation.
2. Complete identity verification (KYC)
Follow the platform's instructions to upload identification documents and complete real-name authentication to enhance account security and unlock more features.
3. Recharge or purchase funds

• You can deposit USDT to Gate.io through other platforms or wallets.
• You can also use the 'Quick Buy' function to buy SOL or USDT with credit card/bank card.

4. Buy SOL
Go to the 'Spot Trading' page, search for the trading pair SOL/USDT, enter the purchase quantity, and place the order.
5. Withdraw to Wallet (optional)
If you plan to hold for the long term, you can withdraw SOL to Solana-supported wallets such as Phantom, Solflare, etc., to ensure asset security.

What are the on-chain use cases of SOL?

SOL as the native token of the Solana network, its core uses mainly include:

1. Pay transaction fees

One of the biggest advantages of the Solana network is low transaction fees. Each transaction is usually less than 0.01 US dollars, SOL is used to pay these fees, enhancing the feasibility of small transactions and micropayments.

2. Participate in network staking and validation

By staking SOL, users can help validate network transactions, ensure system security, and receive rewards. The current staking annual yield is generally around 6%, suitable for long-term holders to participate.

3. Governance and Protocol Upgrades

In the future, Solana's governance mechanism will be more decentralized, and users holding SOL are expected to participate in important voting matters such as ecological governance and protocol parameter adjustments.

Real-world applications in the Solana ecosystem

Solana's fast transaction capabilities and low fees have fostered the emergence of a large number of innovative applications:

DeFi (decentralized finance)

• Jupiter Aggregator: The largest DEX aggregator on Solana;

• MarginFi, Solend: Lending platform that supports the deposit and withdrawal of assets such as SOL and USDC;

• Raydium, Orca: Mainstream AMM protocol, supporting liquidity provision and token exchange.

NFT and creator economy

• Magic Eden: The largest NFT marketplace on Solana;

• Tensor: Professional NFT trading platform, supporting aggregation and deep order placement;

• Creators can issue and trade NFTs at low cost, suitable for gaming assets and artworks.

GameFi and chain games

• Aurory、Star Atlas: High-quality blockchain game projects, using SOL to purchase items or participate in the economic system;

• The fast TPS has improved the player experience, avoiding high Gas delays on the Ethereum network.

DePIN (Decentralized Physical Entity Network)

• As HeliumNetwork migration to Solana, supporting decentralized 5G and IoT, SOL is used for governance and resource payment.

The future potential and challenges of SOL

Growth potential:

• High performance continues to attract developers to migrate;

• Highly active NFT and Meme projects drive user growth;

• AI and on-chain Agent (such as IO.NET) and other new directions continue to inject new vitality.

Challenges:

• The past crash records still need continuous optimization;

• Competition with ecosystems such as Ethereum remains intense;

• The rise of L2 and modular blockchains brings a comparison of technical paths.

Summary: Not only hold SOL, but also understand its use.

SOL is not only a trading token, but also the "fuel" that supports the operation of the entire Solana network. As the ecosystem continues to develop, understanding the practical use cases of SOL will help you grasp potential opportunities, whether it's participating in DeFi, NFT, or staking and governance voting as a long-term holder.