Edited By
Emma Zhang

A push is underway among people in the Solana community for recommendations on development firms that have successfully delivered real decentralized applications (dApps) rather than mere token projects. The clamor for genuine innovation highlights frustrations with a sea of simple NFT minting sites and sample tokens.
Many in the Solana community express dissatisfaction with the abundance of token-focused projects with little utility. One user lamented, "Iโm tired of seeing portfolios filled with Sample Token and NFT Minting Site." They called for companies that have actually built complex dApps such as decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and lending protocols.
Project Demand: A user noted a need for clarity around the types of projects being built, emphasizing the importance of specialized development experience: "You need deep AMM/CLMM math, Raydium or Orca integration experience."
Current Offerings: Another user stated, "Weโre building a multichain aggregator focused on tokenized assets and cross-chain liquidity. Live in beta already." This underlines an active development climate despite pressures for more utility-focused applications.
Cost Insights: Concerns regarding the financial implications of dApp development were raised, with estimates suggesting development costs for a DEX could range from $80K to $200K alone, along with mandatory audits running up to $100K from reputable firms.
"One bug means user funds are gone." - Anonymous commenter
Overall, comments reflect a longing for substantial developments over hype-driven projects. People are eager for initiatives that offer practical value and address issues in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. Several users displayed a mix of optimism and skepticism regarding current projects, emphasizing a desire for concrete results rather than flashy concepts.
๐ Users seek firms that deliver real utility, not just tokens.
๐ฐ Development costs for robust dApps are significant and often underestimated.
๐ A few firms are stepping up, offering innovative solutions in the space.
In this competitive climate, as the Solana network matures, the question lingers: Will developers rise to meet community expectations, or will the trend of utility-deficient projects continue?
There's a strong chance that the demand for real utility in Solana applications will prompt developers to pivot towards creating more sophisticated dApps in the coming months. As the community continues to seek out firms with proven track records in delivering complex applications, experts estimate that at least 50% of new projects will focus on enhancing DeFi services. The combination of community expectations and financial pressures could lead to an influx of innovative solutions, possibly driving development costs even higher as firms compete for credibility in this crowded space. At the same time, many existing projects may struggle to adapt quickly to this shift, resulting in a mix of successes and failures that will shape the decentralized finance landscape.
This scenario bears a striking resemblance to the evolution of trade routes during the rise of the Silk Road. Early traders often dealt in basic goods with minimal value, much like the simplistic token projects of today. However, as the demand for valuable goods increased, traders began to innovate, offering unique products that met market needs. By channeling efforts into creating services that genuinely addressed consumer desires, they laid the groundwork for a thriving commerce network. Just as those ancient merchants adapted to the market, developers in the Solana community are poised to shift their focus toward substantive projects, navigating the landscape of opportunity and challenge that lies ahead.