Learn the trading and liquidity vocabulary behind the app layer.
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A protocol that enables token swaps using algorithmic pricing against pooled liquidity instead of matching individual buyers and sellers. AMMs use mathematical formulas (typically constant product x*y=k) to determine prices based on the ratio of tokens in a liquidity pool. On Solana, major AMMs include Raydium, Orca, and Meteora.
A smart-contract-held reserve of two or more tokens that enables trading via an AMM. Users deposit token pairs in specified ratios to become liquidity providers and earn trading fees. Pools are identified by their token pair and fee tier. Pool depth (total value locked) determines price impact for trades.
The exchange of one token for another through a DEX, either via an AMM pool or an order book. The user specifies an input token/amount and receives output tokens at the current market rate minus slippage and fees. On Solana, swaps settle in a single transaction (~400ms) with fees typically 0.01-0.3% per trade.
A protocol for trading tokens directly on-chain without a centralized intermediary. Solana DEXs use either AMM pools (Raydium, Orca, Meteora) or on-chain order books (Phoenix, OpenBook). DEXs are composable—aggregators like Jupiter route through multiple DEXs for optimal pricing.
A trading system that matches buy and sell orders at specified prices, implemented fully on-chain. Unlike AMMs, order books enable limit orders and don't require liquidity pools. Solana's high throughput makes on-chain order books viable. Phoenix uses a FIFO matching engine; OpenBook (Serum v4) uses a crank-based model.
The dominant DEX aggregator on Solana, routing trades across 20+ DEX protocols to find optimal pricing. Jupiter splits orders across multiple routes and pools to minimize price impact. It also offers limit orders, DCA, perpetuals (via Jupiter Perps), and a token launchpad (LFG). The JUP governance token was airdropped in January 2024.
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