Solana (SOL) is a high performance blockchain designed for fast, low cost transactions. Created by Anatoly Yakovenko and launched by Solana Labs in 2020, it combines proof of stake with a timing mechanism called proof of history, which helps validators agree on the order of transactions quickly. The network can process thousands of transactions per second, with fees that are usually a fraction of a cent. Developers use Solana for DeFi, NFTs, payments, gaming and tokenised assets. SOL is the network's native token, used to pay fees and to stake with validators that help secure the network.