Dune Query Beginner Tutorial and Solana Wallet Transfer Tracking Practice

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Blockchain analytics has become a cornerstone of on-chain intelligence, enabling developers, analysts, and enthusiasts to extract meaningful insights from decentralized networks. One of the most powerful platforms for this purpose is Dune Analytics, which allows users to query blockchain data using SQL. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the fundamentals of Dune Query with a practical focus on tracking token transfers in Solana wallets. Whether you're new to blockchain querying or looking to sharpen your skills, this tutorial will equip you with the tools to build efficient, real-world queries.

Understanding Dune Analytics and Its Core Features

Dune Analytics is a community-driven platform that transforms raw blockchain data into actionable insights. By leveraging SQL-based queries, users can explore transactions, token movements, wallet activities, and more across multiple blockchains—including Ethereum, Solana, and others.

To get started, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the Data Explorer—a key feature located on the left-hand side of the Dune interface.

Key Functions of Data Explorer

The Data Explorer acts as your roadmap to available datasets:

For example, when analyzing Solana transactions, you can examine the pre_token_balances and post_token_balances fields—both of which store arrays containing token balance changes before and after a transaction. This structural understanding is crucial for writing accurate queries.

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Mastering Basic SQL Syntax in Dune

Dune uses Trino SQL, a dialect slightly different from traditional MySQL but highly compatible with standard SQL constructs. Here are the core components you’ll use frequently:

Essential SQL Clauses

Example: Fetch Recent Solana Transactions

SELECT *
FROM solana.transactions
WHERE block_time >= NOW() - INTERVAL '7' DAY;

This query retrieves all transactions from the past week. The NOW() function returns the current timestamp, and the interval subtraction limits the dataset efficiently.

Working with Arrays Using UNNEST

One of the most important concepts in Dune is handling array-type fields. On Solana, many transaction details—such as token balances—are stored as arrays. To analyze them individually, you must "unpack" these arrays using UNNEST.

Why UNNEST Matters

Consider a scenario where a wallet holds multiple tokens. The pre_token_balances field contains an array of records, each representing a token and its balance before the transaction. Without UNNEST, you cannot access individual elements.

Example: Filter Transactions by Wallet Address

SELECT t.block_time, pre.owner
FROM solana.transactions t,
UNNEST(t.pre_token_balances) AS pre
WHERE pre.owner = '6EDJ7JuynXSPaMvufzAX4swSRJZXv6uPi4s6jmo33xj5';

Here:

This technique is foundational for tracking wallet interactions across the Solana network.

Practical Project: Tracking Solana Token Transfers

Now let’s apply what we’ve learned to a real-world use case: building a token transfer tracker for a specific Solana wallet and token mint.

Step-by-Step Query Breakdown

We’ll use CTEs to structure our query logically and improve performance.

WITH filtered_transactions AS (
  SELECT *
  FROM solana.transactions t
  WHERE block_time >= NOW() - INTERVAL '7' DAY
),
wallet_related_transactions AS (
  SELECT *
  FROM filtered_transactions t,
  UNNEST(t.pre_token_balances) AS pre
  WHERE pre.owner = '6EDJ7JuynXSPaMvufzAX4swSRJZXv6uPi4s6jmo33xj5'
),
token_transfers AS (
  SELECT
    t.block_time,
    pre.owner AS "From",
    post.owner AS "To",
    post.mint AS "Token",
    pre.amount AS "Pre_Amount",
    post.amount AS "Post_Amount"
  FROM
    wallet_related_transactions t,
    UNNEST(t.pre_token_balances) AS pre,
    UNNEST(t.post_token_balances) AS post
  WHERE
    pre.owner = '6EDJ7JuynXSPaMvufzAX4swSRJZXv6uPi4s6jmo33xj5'
    AND post.owner IS NOT NULL
    AND post.mint = 'BYcs8bjoGv6m4LkRrpEDVbJvPESvP9A1migRmaDApump'
)
SELECT
  block_time,
  "From",
  "To",
  "Token",
  "Pre_Amount",
  "Post_Amount"
FROM token_transfers
ORDER BY block_time DESC
LIMIT 1000;

How It Works

  1. Filtered Transactions: Narrows down data to the last 7 days.
  2. Wallet Filtering: Uses UNNEST to identify transactions involving the target wallet.
  3. Token Transfer Extraction: Joins both pre- and post-balance arrays to detect actual transfers of a specific token (identified by mint address).
  4. Final Output: Orders results chronologically and limits output for clarity.

This modular approach ensures efficiency and scalability—even when dealing with large datasets.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Dune Analytics used for?

Dune Analytics enables users to query and visualize blockchain data using SQL. It's widely used for tracking wallet activity, analyzing DeFi protocols, monitoring NFT trades, and uncovering market trends across chains like Solana and Ethereum.

How do I find the right table in Dune for Solana data?

Use the Data Explorer panel to navigate to the Solana section. Look for tables like transactions, blocks, or programs. Hover over each to view column descriptions and data types.

What does UNNEST do in Dune SQL?

UNNEST converts array fields into individual rows. For example, if a transaction affects three tokens stored in an array, UNNEST creates three separate rows—one per token—making it possible to filter or aggregate at the item level.

Can I track incoming and outgoing token transfers?

Yes. By comparing pre_token_balances and post_token_balances using UNNEST, you can detect changes in ownership. Matching the owner field before and after allows you to determine whether a wallet sent or received tokens.

Why use CTEs (WITH clauses) in Dune queries?

CTEs improve query readability and performance by breaking complex logic into manageable steps. They also allow reuse within the same query and help optimize execution order.

Is Dune free to use?

Yes, Dune offers a free tier with generous query limits, making it accessible for beginners and hobbyists. Paid plans provide higher refresh rates and private dashboards for professional use.

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Conclusion

Mastering Dune Query opens up a world of possibilities in blockchain analysis. From monitoring Solana wallet transfers to building custom dashboards for DeFi or NFT projects, the ability to write efficient SQL queries is an invaluable skill.

By leveraging tools like Data Explorer, understanding Trino SQL syntax, and mastering advanced techniques such as UNNEST and CTEs, you can extract precise, real-time insights from on-chain data. The example project in this guide demonstrates how structured querying enables detailed tracking of token movements—essential for security audits, investment research, or personal portfolio monitoring.

As blockchain ecosystems grow more complex, so does the need for clear, data-driven decision-making. With Dune Analytics, you’re equipped to stay ahead of the curve.

Core Keywords: Dune Analytics, Solana wallet tracking, blockchain data analysis, SQL query tutorial, UNNEST in SQL, on-chain analytics, token transfer monitoring