Solana: Why haven’t we given “mut” argument to the account Poll but given it to the Signer

Solana Mut Issue: A Critical Analysis of Anchor

The Solana blockchain, built on the Anchor framework, has garnered significant attention and adoption in the cryptocurrency community. However, one aspect that requires further investigation is the handling of “Poll” and “Signer” accounts. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why the lead team decided to deny “mut” permissions to both accounts, despite the potential benefits in certain scenarios.

The Mut Issue

Mut allows a user account to modify the data of another account without requiring an explicit transfer. This is especially useful when there are complex interactions between accounts or when a user needs to update someone else’s information (e.g., creating a new user account). However, in the context of Solana, mut is not enabled by default for several reasons:

• Security

  : By restricting mut, the lead team aims to maintain control over the flow of data and prevent potential security breaches.

• Compatibility: Enabling mut could lead to inconsistencies between different libraries or modules that rely on it, potentially causing problems in the Solana ecosystem.

Decision not to grant mut permission

Given the above concerns, the lead team has decided not to grant mut permission to Poll and Signer accounts. The rationale for this decision is as follows:

• No need for explicit transfers: By disallowing mut, users can update someone else’s information without having to explicitly transfer funds or data.

• Maintaining Security and Compliance: Enabling mut can introduce potential security risks and inconsistencies that the anchoring team is trying to avoid.

Appendix

The decision not to grant mut permission to Poll and Signer accounts was a conscious choice by the anchoring team. While this may seem counterintuitive at first glance, this decision was implemented with careful consideration of security, compatibility, and ease of use. In summary, understanding the reasons behind this decision can help users make informed decisions about their Solana experience.

Best Practices

To work around these limitations, follow these best practices to keep your account data safe:

• Use transfer instead of mut

  : If you need to update someone else’s information, use the transfer function to transfer funds or data without requiring explicit mut permission.

• Avoid using mut in complex interactions: Be careful when using mut in complex scenarios where security and compatibility are critical.

By understanding your lead team’s decision-making process and implementing best practices, you can use Solana effectively while minimizing potential risk.

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