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.
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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.
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Think of it as a market mechanic used to price, route, or move capital through liquidity apps.
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AMMs, routing, liquidity, lending, and trading infrastructure.
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DEX (Decentralized Exchange) (dex) Category: DeFi Definition: 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. Aliases: DEX Related: AMM (Automated Market Maker), Order Book (On-Chain), Swap
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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 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 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.
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A protocol that splits and routes token swaps across multiple DEXs to find the best execution price. The aggregator's routing algorithm considers pool depths, fees, and multi-hop paths (e.g., SOL→USDC→TARGET). Jupiter is the primary aggregator on Solana; others include Prism and DFlow. Aggregators are critical for large trades to minimize price impact.
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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 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 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.
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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.
An AMM design where liquidity providers concentrate their capital within specific price ranges instead of across the full 0-to-infinity range. CLMMs dramatically improve capital efficiency—LPs earn more fees per dollar deposited within their active range. If the price moves outside the range, the position becomes inactive. Orca Whirlpools and Raydium CLMM are leading implementations on Solana.
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.
A token issued to liquidity providers representing their proportional share of a pool's reserves and accrued fees. LP tokens can be burned to withdraw the underlying assets. The value of LP tokens changes as the pool's token ratios shift and fees accumulate. LP tokens are often stakeable in yield farming programs for additional rewards.