Understand the ERC-20 token smart contract
April 30, 2025 5:35 pmWith almost 1,000 crypto assets that follow its specifications in circulation today, the ERC-20 token standard is one of the foundational pillars of the blockchain ecosystem. Think of it as a common language that allows different applications and exchanges to understand and interact with each other. It’s been around for a while, and it’s still the most popular way to create tokens. It’s not perfect, but it’s simple and well-understood, which is why so many people use it. Today, the ERC-20 token standard outlines rules and functions for creating and managing fungible tokens that can be exchanged for equal value and replicated within the Ethereum network. Additionally, this ensures that tokens adhering to the same standard can integrate seamlessly with wallets, exchanges, and third-party tools supporting the designated protocol.
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ERC20 compliant tokens have been issued during Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). Finder US is an information service that allows you to compare different products and providers. We do not recommend specific products or providers, however may receive a commission from the providers we promote and feature. Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website. MoonPay offers an easy and fast way to buy, sell, and manage ERC-20 tokens using fiat currency.
The TRC20 standard ensures compatibility between the numerous tokens and decentralized applications (dApps) developed and available on the Tron blockchain. It provides developers with a set of predefined rules and functions, such as transferring tokens, withdrawing token balances, managing the token supply, and interacting with other tokens. By adhering to these rules, tokens can efficiently operate in the Tron ecosystem, allowing for complex transactions and constant interaction with other smart contracts and tokens. Think of them as digital agreements written in code and stored on a blockchain.
“Token” and “Cryptocurrency” are often used interchangeably; all cryptocurrencies are tokens, but not all tokens are cryptocurrencies. Token, in the context of ERC-20 compliance, simply means a blockchain representation of something that meets the standards set by the Ethereum community to be considered a smart contract standard-compliant token. This means that other tokens can run on top of it, and decentralized applications (dapps) can be built atop it using smart contracts. ERC20, which stands for “Ethereum Request for Comments 20,” is a technical standard used for issuing and managing tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.
What Does ERC20 Mean?
ERC-20 tokens, on the other hand, are distinct tokens following the ERC-20 standard on the Ethereum network. The inception and broad acceptance of ERC20 has deeply impacted the cryptocurrency landscape. It has helped to establish a foundational standard for token interoperability, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for decentralized applications and exchanges. LINK is a cryptocurrency that enables decentralized oracle networks to connect smart contracts with external data sources. Since its inception in 2015, the Ethereum blockchain has been a pioneer in decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. To address growing concerns that multiple tokens would not be transferrable on the Ethereum blockchain, a proposal for standards was made and implemented in 2015.
A smart contract is a digital protocol that securely, verifies, and enforces the terms of a contract without the need for intermediaries. These contracts enable transactions to occur directly between parties—whether it’s money, property, shares, or other valuables—in a transparent and dispute-free manner. A good way to understand smart contracts is by comparing them to a vending machine. Normally, to make a contract legally valid, you would visit a lawyer or notary, https://ai-robert.com/ pay a fee, and finalize the document.
It’s a bit of a wild west right now, but things are slowly starting to get more organized. It’s likely that regulatory clarity will drive adoption of tokenized assets. Right now, ERC-20 tokens are the go-to for many things, but they aren’t perfect for every situation. We might see standards designed specifically for things like supply chain management, voting systems, or even identity verification. The key is to make these standards interoperable so different systems can talk to each other.
- Ethereum, or ether, is a cryptocurrency that allows for the creation of a variety of applications, including tokens, that don’t require intermediary services to operate, unlike most traditional applications.
- A qualified professional should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.
- This compliance is also necessary for Ethereum to keep the promise of scalability; it ensures compatibility between the many different tokens created using the Ethereum ecosystem.
Hence, they will store your private keys on your devices and expect you to write down and store your seed phrase. A seed phrase is a list of 12 random words that you are required to enter whenever you lose access to your wallet or forget your password. When it comes to ERC-20 tokens, the recommended wallets are MyEtherWallet (MEW) and MetaMask. Whatever the ERC-20 token may be, you can be sure that they are accessible via these two wallets. ERC-20 is the acronym used to refer to Ethereum Request for Comment number 20.
Essentially, cryptocurrencies serve as alternatives to traditional currencies like the euro, dollar, yen, and others. Unlike electronic bank money, the key distinction is that cryptocurrency operates in a decentralized system, with no central authority controlling it. WIN is the native token of WINkLink, a decentralized oracle network on the TRON blockchain.
Plus, enjoy zero-fee withdrawals directly to your bank account when you decide to cash out. This accessibility has helped accelerate the Ethereum network’s growth, driving innovation and expanding the blockchain’s capabilities. Despite inherent risks and challenges, the ERC20 standard continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to address scalability, security, and regulatory concerns.
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This post was written by Editor Test
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