ERC-20 Token Overview
When working with ERC-20 token, a standardized smart‑contract interface on the Ethereum blockchain that lets developers create interchangeable digital assets. Also known as Ethereum token standard, it defines core functions like balanceOf, transfer and approve that every compliant token must implement.
At the heart of this ecosystem sits Ethereum, the open‑source platform that hosts the ERC-20 standard through its programmable smart contracts. These contracts enable ERC-20 token creators to embed tokenomics, the economic design that dictates supply, distribution, and incentives directly into code, shaping how tokens behave in markets. Because the standard is universally accepted, DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and even centralized exchanges can interact with any ERC-20 asset without custom integration, which is why the token has become the backbone of modern DeFi, decentralized finance applications that offer lending, trading, and yield farming services.
Why ERC-20 Matters for Builders and Traders
In practice, the ERC-20 framework lowers development costs and speeds up launch cycles – a new project simply copies the standard template and focuses on unique features. For traders, the uniform interface means price data, wallets, and order books treat every ERC-20 asset the same way, simplifying portfolio management and reducing friction. As the ecosystem evolves, extensions like ERC-223 and ERC-777 add safety and functionality, but the core ERC-20 standard remains the reference point for token creation. Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dig into real‑world token reviews, legal considerations, airdrop guides, and deeper technical analyses, giving you a full picture of how ERC-20 tokens shape the crypto landscape today.