ERC-20

Token standard on Ethereum. All behave the same way.

ERC-20 is a set of rules for how a token on Ethereum should behave: how to check balance, transfer, approve spending. Thanks to this standard, every wallet (MetaMask), DEX (Uniswap) and DeFi protocol recognizes ALL ERC-20 tokens without special integration. The standard was created in 2015. Other important ones: ERC-721 (NFT), ERC-1155 (mix), ERC-4337 (account abstraction).

In plain words

The standard 'shape' of a token on Ethereum. Thanks to it, MetaMask, Uniswap and every other wallet/exchange can handle any token without special integration. USDT, USDC, UNI, LINK are all ERC-20. Other standards: ERC-721 (NFTs), ERC-1155 (mix), ERC-4337 (smart wallets).

Example

USDT (Tether) on Ethereum: $60B+ supply in a single ERC-20 contract.

Also known as: erc-20, erc721, erc-721

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