If you’re wondering what ERC-20 tokens are and whether or not they’re right for you, check out this blog post. We’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages of these tokens so that you can get information for you to invest in 2023.
What Is ERC20?
ERC20 is a set of rules for how tokens can be created on the Ethereum blockchain. These rules include how the tokens can be transferred, how they can be approved by other contracts, and how data within them can be accessed.
A fungible token is one that may be exchanged for another token, as opposed to the well-known non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
What is an ERC20 Token?
Ethereum, like Bitcoin, is a platform as well as a blockchain. This means that other tokens can run on top of it, and decentralized applications (dapps) can be built atop it using smart contracts.
Ethereum, like Bitcoin, is a platform as well as a blockchain. This implies that other coins may run on top of it, and smart contracts can be used to build decentralized applications (dapps).
The ERC-20 token standard enables developers to design their own Ethereum network coins. It has made it easier for businesses to establish blockchain goods rather than creating their own coin.
Some tokens, such as Uniswap’s UNI token, will continue to be ERC-20 tokens; however, other cryptocurrencies, such as Binance Coin, have subsequently migrated to their own blockchains.
Understanding ERC-20
Smart contracts were growing increasingly popular in 2015, but numerous difficulties needed to be solved. Many tokens were being made since they could be made by anybody. However, there was no way to guarantee that all of the various tokens could be generated, used, or traded.
Without a common token technique, each application would require its own token, and users would have to figure out how to convert them back and forth across the hundreds of apps being produced. The ERC-20 standard is used by many well-known digital currencies. Some well-known instances include:
- Binance USD (BUSD)
- BNB (BNB)
- DAI Stablecoin (DAI)
- HEX (HEX)
- Bitfinex LEO (LEO)
- MAKER (MKR)
- Tether USD (USDT)
- USD Coin (USDC)
- Shiba Inu (SHIB)
History
ERC-20 was introduced in 2015 by developer Fabin Vogelstellar as a mechanism to standardize tokens within smart contracts on the Ethereum network. Vogelstellar posted the suggestion as an Ethereum Request for Comment on the project’s Github website (ERC). Because it was the twentieth comment, it was given the code ERC-20.
Following the Ethereum development community’s procedure, the idea was approved and deployed in 2017 as Ethereum Improvement Proposal 20. (EIP-20). However, it is still referred to as ERC-20 since that is how it was known before it was authorized.
Contents of the Standard
ERC-20 specifies a number of functions and events that a token must support. Keep in mind that this standard also governs the activities that smart contracts do in order to produce tokens. The ERC-20 standard is made up of six mandatory and three optional rules. These rules are:
- TotalSupply: This function returns the total number of tokens in existence.
- BalanceOf: This function returns the number of tokens held by a given address.
- Transfer: This function transfers tokens from one address to another.
- Approve: This function approves another address to spend a given amount of tokens on behalf of the owner.
- Allowance: This function returns the amount of tokens that an address is allowed to spend on behalf of the owner.
- TransferFrom: This function transfers tokens from one address to another, using an allowance.
- ApproveAndCall: This function approves another address to spend a given amount of tokens on behalf of the owner and calls a function on the recipient contract.
- Burn: This function destroys tokens and reduces the total supply.
These code methods and events are critical for user/token implementation. They especially aid in establishing the quantity of tokens in circulation, storing and returning balances, initiating transfer and withdrawal requests, giving approval, and consenting to automated transfers.
This suite of functions and signals guarantees that Ethereum coins of various sorts work consistently throughout the Ethereum ecosystem. Furthermore, ERC-20-compliant tokens can be utilized interchangeably.
How Does ERC-20 Work?
The standard defines a set of rules that all ERC-20 tokens must follow. These rules include how the tokens are transferred, how they are stored, and how they are accessed.
The ERC-20 standard is important because it allows different tokens to be interchangeable. This means that any wallet or exchange that supports ERC-20 tokens can also support any other ERC-20 token.
ERC-20 tokens are created using smart contracts. A smart contract is a piece of code that is stored on the blockchain and executes automatically when certain conditions are met.
Smart contracts are used to create, manage, and transfer ERC-20 tokens. They can also be used to create other types of contracts, such as contracts for selling goods and services.
What are the Properties of ERC-20 Tokens?
On the Ethereum network, ERC-20 tokens are the most often utilized tokens. They are known as utility tokens because they are intended to be used to pay for services. They can also be used to make purchases of products and services.
These tokens are:
- Fungible: Each individual token’s code is the same as any other, but transaction histories may be utilized to identify and sort out the tokens involved.
- Transferable: They may be transmitted from one address to another.
- Predetermined supply: To prevent developers from issuing additional tokens and increasing the supply, a fixed quantity of tokens must be issued.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of ERC-20 Tokens?
Advantages
ERC-20 has a number of benefits, including:
- Interoperability: ERC-20 tokens are interchangeable, which means that they can be used on any platform that supports them. This makes it easy to develop applications that use multiple tokens.
- Security: ERC-20 tokens are stored on the blockchain, which is a secure and decentralized platform. This means that they are less likely to be hacked or stolen than tokens that are stored on centralized exchanges.
- Compliance: The ERC-20 standard defines a set of rules that all tokens must follow. This makes it easier for regulators to understand and oversee the use of ERC-20 tokens.
Disadvantages
- Complexity: The ERC-20 standard is complex, which can make it difficult to understand and implement.
- Limited Functionality: The ERC-20 standard only defines a limited set of rules. This means that some features, such as voting and governance, are not possible with ERC-20 tokens.
Goals of ERC-20
The goal of the ERC-20 standard is to define a set of rules that all Ethereum tokens must adhere to. This ensures that all tokens can be exchanged with each other, and that wallets and other Ethereum applications can support all tokens.
The ERC-20 standard plays a crucial role in the blockchain; it establishes a set of rules that Ethereum tokens that use smart contracts must follow. Some of these rules govern how tokens may be moved, how transactions are approved, how users can access data about a token, and how many tokens are available.
This compliance is also required for Ethereum to uphold its scalability promise; it assures interoperability amongst the numerous tokens issued utilizing the Ethereum ecosystem.
Some other goals of ERC20:
- To create a standard token that can be used on different blockchains
- To promote interoperability between different dapps and smart contracts
- To reduce the barriers to entry for developers looking to create new tokens
- To provide a set of rules and guidelines that all ERC-20 tokens must follow
What Other Ethereum Standards are There?
Ethereum has a number of other standards that it employs. These include:
- ERC-721: This is the non-fungible token standard (NFTs). Each coin is distinct and has its own code, resulting in a thriving market for crypto collectibles such as trading cards and digital artworks.
- ERC-1400: These are for security tokens so the tokens can be sold as securities. This necessitates tighter control over who has access to the coins and the use of know-your-customer methods.
- ERC-777: It aims to be an improvement on the ERC-20 standard by lowering overheads and adding new features. Because it is backwards compatible, it may be more extensively adopted.
- ERC-223: Fees are presently paid in Ether when you complete a transaction. The transaction costs can be paid using the tokens involved under this standard. This means that an Augur transfer would be paid for in Augur tokens, with the ticker code REP.
- ERC1155: The standard for multi-token contracts that are built on Ethereum. It defines a set of rules that all contracts must follow.
- ERC721x: This standard will improve upon the ERC721 standard by allowing tokens to be traded on decentralized exchanges.
How to Buy and Store ERC-20 Tokens?
Many ERC-20 tokens may be traded on cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase and Binance.
You’ll also need a cryptocurrency wallet that can store Ethereum tokens, such as a software wallet such as MetaMask, or a hardware wallet.
How to Convert ERC20 to BEP20 in Trust Wallet?
If you want to convert your ERC20 tokens to BEP20, you will need to use a third-party service like Binance or Trust Wallet.
- Open your Trust Wallet and go to the Wallet tab.
- Select the currency you want to convert (in this case, ERC20).
- Tap on the Convert button.
- Select BEP20 as the destination chain.
- Enter the amount you want to convert and tap on the Convert button.
- Wait for the conversion to be completed and check your BEP20 balance.
FAQs
What Does ERC-20 Mean?
ERC-20 is Ethereum Request for Comment, number 20. ERC-20 is the standard for smart contract tokens created using Ethereum.
ERC-20 is a set of rules that dictate how an Ethereum token should function. These tokens follow a standard interface, which allows them to be exchanged with other ERC-20 tokens. This makes it easier for developers to create new tokens, as they do not need to create a new blockchain or write new code.
This technical standard dictates a number of rules and actions that an Ethereum token or smart contract must follow and steps to be able to implement it.
What’s the Difference Between ETH and ERC-20?
Ether (ETH) is the native token utilized by the Ethereum blockchain and network to validate transactions as a payment mechanism. ERC-20 is the standard for developing smart contract-enabled fungible tokens for usage in the Ethereum ecosystem.
What Is an ERC-20 Wallet?
An ERC-20 wallet is a digital wallet that stores ERC-20 tokens. These wallets are typically software wallets that can be downloaded onto a computer or phone.
There are many different types of ERC-20 wallets available, but not all of them are created equal. Some wallets only support a limited number of ERC-20 tokens, while others support a wide range of them. Some wallets are also better for security or ease of use than others.
The best ERC-20 wallet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular ERC-20 wallets include MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, and Trust Wallet.
Which coins are ERC20?
There are many ERC20 coins, but some of the more popular ones are:
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- NEO (NEO)
- Cardano (ADA)
Is MetaMask ERC20?
MetaMask is not an ERC20 token. MetaMask is a digital wallet that allows you to store, send, and receive Ethereum (ETH) and other Ethereum-based tokens.
Allows you to interact with Ethereum dapps and smart contracts without having to run a full Ethereum node. It also allows you to manage your ETH and ERC20 tokens.
Does Coinbase support ERC20?
Coinbase Wallet supports thousands of tokens, including all ERC-20 tokens and all tokens on EVM-compatible chains, such as Avalanche C-Chain and Polygon. This includes stablecoins (like USDC and DAI) on all of Coinbase Wallet’s supported networks.
Is USDC ERC20?
USDC is a stablecoin launched in partnership with Coinbase and Circle and operates as an ERC-20 token, meaning it runs on the Ethereum blockchain. Ethereum USDC is built on ERC-20, which is the most widely adopted standard in blockchain applications.
Is Chainlink an ERC20 Token?
Chainlink’s LINK token is an ERC677 token, an extension of ERC20. Tokens act as data payloads, feeding the required data from off-chain sources to smart contracts, which then act accordingly in response to the data provided by the token.
Is MATIC ERC20?
Polygon (MATIC) exists on the Ethereum blockchain, but it is so unique that it no longer meets the ERC-20 Standard.
Is QNT an ERC20?
QNT is an ERC20 token on the Ethereum Blockchain. Whilst it is on the Ethereum blockchain, it is blockchain agnostic so can easily swap to any other blockchain. Ethereum was chosen due to it being the mostly used blockchain with well established integration for wallets and Exchanges.
Conclusion
Overall, ERC-20 tokens have a lot of advantages that make them appealing for businesses and investors. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Ultimately, whether or not ERC-20 tokens are right for you will depend on your specific needs and goals.
If you’re interested in learning more about ERC-20 tokens, or if you’re thinking about investing in them, be sure to do your research and talk to a financial advisor.
