StakePoint
Solana DeFi Glossary
Definitions of key terms used in Solana DeFi, token locking, LP locking, and staking. Published by the StakePoint team.
Program Derived Address (PDA)
An on-chain Solana account controlled by a smart contract with no private key.
Definition
A Program Derived Address (PDA) is an on-chain Solana account that is derived from and controlled by a smart contract rather than a private key. Because PDAs have no private key, they cannot be accessed by any individual — only the rules defined in the smart contract determine when and how tokens can leave the account.
PDAs are a core feature of Solana's programming model. They are used to create trustless, non-custodial escrow accounts where tokens can be held securely without relying on any third party to safeguard them.
In the context of token locking and staking, PDAs ensure that locked or staked tokens cannot be accessed by the platform, the project team, or any other party before the conditions defined in the smart contract are met.
StakePoint & Program Derived Address (PDA)
All token locks and staking positions on StakePoint are held in Program Derived Addresses. This means StakePoint never has custody of user tokens — the smart contract rules determine when tokens can be withdrawn, and only the original wallet can claim them after the unlock time.
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Program Derived Address on Solana?
A Program Derived Address (PDA) is an on-chain account controlled by a smart contract rather than a private key. Tokens held in a PDA cannot be accessed by any individual — only the smart contract rules determine withdrawals.
Why are PDAs used for token locking?
PDAs ensure that locked tokens are held trustlessly on-chain. No platform or individual can access them — only the original wallet can claim tokens after the unlock date defined by the smart contract.
Related Terms
Non-Custodial
A design where a platform never holds or controls user funds.
Anchor Smart Contract
A Solana smart contract built using the Anchor framework.
Token Locking
The process of transferring tokens into a smart contract until a fixed unlock date.
Staking Pool
An on-chain contract where token holders deposit tokens to earn rewards.
Solana Token Locker
A smart contract that locks SPL tokens on-chain until a set unlock date.