What is ERC-20?

Cryptocurrency Exchange
What is ERC-20?
ERC-20 is the most common token standard used on the Ethereum network. In short, ERC-20 ensures that tokens developed within the Ethereum ecosystem follow the same set of rules. This standard allows different projects to create their tokens in a compatible way, transfer them easily, and store them securely in wallets.
Today, many assets in the crypto world, from DeFi projects to stablecoins, are developed using ERC-20 standards. As the Ethereum token standard, ERC-20 provides a common language for both developers and users, making it one of the most preferred frameworks in the crypto ecosystem.

What are the Features of ERC-20?

The most important feature of ERC-20 tokens is that they are built on standardized rules defined within the Ethereum network. These rules cover functions such as token transfers, balance display, and approvals. Once a user adds an ERC-20 token to their wallet, they can transfer or store it without any additional steps.
The compatibility provided by ERC-20 allows tokens to work seamlessly with decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and crypto exchanges. In addition, all transactions are recorded on the Ethereum blockchain, making them auditable, immutable, and reliable. These features have made ERC-20 one of the most trusted and widely used token standards in the crypto ecosystem.

How Did ERC-20 Emerge?

The ERC-20 standard was first proposed in 2015 by the Ethereum developer community. There was a need for a common framework to avoid incompatibility when different projects launched their own tokens. This process was initiated through the “ Ethereum Request for Comment” ( ERC) and was quickly adopted.
During the ICO boom of 2017, hundreds of projects launched their tokens using the ERC-20 standard. This made ERC-20 a turning point in the crypto ecosystem and established it as one of the most well-known standards on the Ethereum network.

How Does ERC-20 Work?

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ERC-20 tokens operate through smart contracts defined on the Ethereum network. Each token has its own contract, which specifies total supply, transfer conditions, and ownership details. When a user wants to transfer an ERC-20 token, the transaction is recorded on the Ethereum blockchain and becomes permanent after verification.
The system automatically checks who owns the tokens, how much is being transferred, and to which address. Functions such as balance display, approvals, and spending authorizations (allowance) also operate under this standard. This allows tokens from different projects to be used seamlessly across wallets and exchanges.

ERC-20 Tokens

Today, a large portion of the most well-known assets in the crypto world have been created using the ERC-20 token standard. This structure offers developers the ability to create new tokens quickly and securely.

Thanks to the standardization brought by ERC-20, different projects can work together seamlessly; users can securely store various tokens in the same wallet. With its wide range of applications, ERC-20 has become a fundamental structure for both established projects and newly developed ventures.

What is an ERC-20 Address?

An ERC-20 address is a wallet address used on the Ethereum network, usually starting with “0x” and consisting of 42 characters. This address is required for users to safely store, send, and receive ERC-20 tokens. Each address is unique, recorded on the Ethereum blockchain, and belongs solely to the individual. Since transactions sent to the wrong address cannot be reversed, careful usage is critical.

How to Find an ERC-20 Address?

To view your ERC-20 address, you need an Ethereum wallet or an exchange account. In most wallet applications, the address can be found under the “wallet” or “deposit/withdrawal” section. ERC-20 addresses always begin with “0x” and are often shared by copying or via QR codes. Extra caution is advised when sharing your address, as mistakes can compromise security.

Conclusion

ERC-20 is a standard that enables tokens built on the Ethereum network to operate in a compatible, secure, and transparent way. Many widely used assets in the crypto world, from stablecoins to DeFi projects, are created with this framework.
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