Solana: solana localnet – Error while upgrading a program loaded at genesis using `solana-test-validator`?

Solana Localnet: Error updating program loaded on Genesis using solana-test-validator'

Developers working with the Solana test network often encounter problems when trying to update programs loaded in their original state. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the causes of these errors and consider possible solutions.

Error 1: "Failed to update software downloaded to Genesis"

When trying to update a program loaded into Genesis usingsolana-test-validator’, you may encounter the following error message:

`Error updating software downloaded to Genesis''

This error usually occurs for the following reasons:

  • The fieldgenesis_program_idof the program is specified incorrectly, which leads to incompatibility when trying to apply changes to the program.
  • Program dependencies or contracts are linked incorrectly, which leads to problems during the update.

Error 2: "Program failed verification"

The second error message you may see is:

The program did not pass the test''

This indicates that the program encountered an invalid condition due to a missing or incompatiblegenesis_program_id. This can be caused by the following reasons:

  • The program code was launched with an invalidprogramId
  • Program dependencies or contracts are linked incorrectly

Is it possible to re-deploy a program if it was downloaded to Genesis?

Although it may seem counterintuitive, it is actually possible to re-deploy a program loaded onto a Genesis. However, this requires careful consideration and attention to detail.

When redeploying the program, the following steps must be performed:

  • Make sure that thegenesis_program_idfield of the program is specified correctly.
  • Make sure all necessary dependencies or contracts are linked correctly.

Here's an example of how to redeploy a program using thesolana-test-validator’ command-line tool:

npx solana-test-validator --json stdout programs/my-program.js 0x123456789abcdef01234567890abcdef123456789abcdef12345678

In this example, the program code is written in JavaScript and bound to a specific identifier of the Genesis program.

Conclusion

Updating programs loaded on Genesis can be difficult and error-prone. However, with careful attention to detail and proper validation of the genesis_program_id field, it is indeed possible to re-deploy a program that was originally loaded into genesis using solana-test-validator. By following best practices and understanding the intricacies of Solana’s testing ecosystem, you can successfully update your programs and ensure their continued success.

Recommendations

  • Always check the genesis_program_id field when redeploying or updating programs.
  • Use the --json stdout flag to get verbose testnet output.
  • Follow best practices for writing and compiling code in Solana programs.