Ethereum tokens represent various digital assets, and ERC-20 has emerged as the technical standard used for all smart contracts.
Ethereum was launched in 2015; it has become one of the driving forces behind the popularity of cryptocurrency. The popular cryptocurrency and blockchain system Ethereum is based on the use of tokens, which can be bought, sold, or traded.
In the Ethereum system, tokens represent various digital assets, such as vouchers, IOUs, or even real-world, tangible objects. Essentially, Ethereum tokens are smart contracts that use the Ethereum blockchain.
- The popular cryptocurrency and blockchain system known as Ethereum is based on the use of tokens, which can be bought, sold, or traded.
- One of the most significant tokens is called ERC-20, which has emerged as the technical standard used for all smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain for token implementation.
- Plenty of well-known digital currencies uses the ERC-20 standard, including Maker (MKR), Basic Attention Token (BAT), Augur (REP), and the OMG Network (OMG).
What Is ERC-20?
One of the most significant Ethereum tokens is known as ERC-20. ERC-20 has emerged as the technical standard; it is used for all smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain for token implementation and provides a list of rules that all Ethereum-based tokens must follow.
ERC-20 is similar, in some respects, to bitcoin, Litecoin, and any other cryptocurrency; ERC-20 tokens are blockchain-based assets that have value and can be sent and received. The primary difference is that instead of running on their blockchain, ERC-20 tokens are issued on the Ethereum network.
ERC-20 Defines a Common List of Rules
As of Mar. 24, 2022, around 508,074 ERC-20-compatible tokens exist on Ethereum’s main network. The ERC-20 commands vital importance; it defines a standard list of rules that all Ethereum tokens must adhere to. Some of these rules include how the tokens can be transferred, how transactions are approved, how users can access data about a token, and the total supply of tokens.
Consequently, this particular token empowers developers of all types to accurately predict how new tokens will function within the more extensive Ethereum system. It simplifies the task set forth for developers; they can proceed with their work knowing that every new project won’t need to be redone every time a new token is released, as long as the token follows the rules. This compliance is also necessary; it ensures compatibility between the many different tokens issued on Ethereum.
Fortunately, most token developers have fallen in line with ERC-20 rules, meaning that most of the tokens released through Ethereum initial coin offerings are ERC-20 compliant.
Plenty of well-known digital currencies uses the ERC-20 standard, including Maker (MKR), Basic Attention Token (BAT), Augur (REP), and OmiseGO (OMG). If you plan to purchase any digital currency that’s issued as an ERC-20 token, you must also have a wallet that is compatible with these tokens. Luckily, because ERC-20 tokens are so popular, there are many different options for wallets.
ERC-20 Specified Six Different Coding Functions
ERC-20 defines six different implementation coding functions for the benefit of other tokens within the Ethereum system.
In terms of implementation coding for ERC-20 tokens, the six essential coding functions are:
1. total supply
2. balance of
3. allowance
4. transfer
5. approve
6. transfer from
These code functions are integral for user/token implementation, explicitly determining the number of tokens in circulation, storing and returning balances, making transfer and withdrawal requests, granting approval, and agreeing to automated transfers.
This set of functions and signals ensures that Ethereum tokens of different types will all uniformly perform in any place within the Ethereum system. Nearly all of the digital wallets that support the ether currency also support ERC-20-compliant tokens.
Source: https://www.investopedia.com/news/what-erc20-and-what-does-it-mean-ethereum/
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