The Ethereum Request for Comment (ERC) serves as a technical protocol that proposes modifications or enhancements to the Ethereum network. It provides developers with a set of technical specifications or instructions that can be used to create applications and smart contracts that operate on the Ethereum network.
ERCs are developed and maintained by the Ethereum community, and before being finalized and put into use, they undergo a process of testing, review, and debate. Decentralized apps (dApps) and other blockchain-based solutions may be developed using an ERC after it has been integrated as part of the Ethereum protocol. 1
What is ERC-20, and how does it interact with the Ethereum network?
ERC-20 is a protocol that enables the creation and management of tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. It establishes a set of rules and functions that ensure consistent and predictable behavior when interacting with tokens. These tokens are fungible, meaning they can be easily exchanged with other tokens of the same type and carry a predetermined value. ERC-20 tokens have gained widespread adoption for various tokenization projects, including initial coin offerings (ICOs), due to their compatibility with the Ethereum network.
Developers can create and implement decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts on Ethereum; hence a common token standard is needed for the smooth functioning of the network. Many of the most well-known tokens on the Ethereum network, including DAI and USDC, are ERC-20 tokens and have helped to popularise this standard.
A smart contract that adheres to the ERC-20 standard must be written by the user who wishes to produce a new ERC-20 token. The token’s total supply will be specified in this smart contract, along with the guidelines for managing and transferring it.
The token can be launched on the Ethereum network after the creation of the smart contract. Users on the Ethereum network can then send and receive the token, just like any other cryptocurrency. The coins’ Ownership, total supply, and other data provided in the smart contract are all tracked and secured by the Ethereum network.
One of the main advantages of ERC-20 is its interoperability. Different tokens can easily cooperate and be integrated into other apps because they all follow the same standard. Due to this, a robust ecosystem of ERC-20 can be seen today.2
The Benefits of ERC-Based Tokens Vs Conventional Funding
RC-based tokens provide many advantages over traditional fundraising techniques. Some of the main benefits are as follows:
- Worldwide Accessibility: Anybody with an internet connection may use ERC-based tokens, no matter where they are in the globe. This enables fundraising initiatives to potentially reach a truly global audience, which can be highly beneficial.
- Transactions utilizing ERC-based tokens may be conducted significantly more quickly and inexpensively than those using more conventional financing mechanisms. This is due to the fact that they do not need intermediaries like banks, which may prolong the procedure and raise prices.
- Enhanced Transparency: The ERC-20 standard is hosted on Ethereum; hence, this may boost transparency and lower the risk of fraud since transactions are now accessible to all network users.
- One of the key advantages of ERC-based tokens is their programmability, which allows developers to create smart contracts that execute automatically based on specific conditions. This feature enables a variety of use cases, such as automating fundraising milestones and building incentive systems, that can benefit from the automation and transparency provided by innovative contract technology.
- Compared to traditional financing sources, ERC-based tokens typically offer greater liquidity, making it easier and faster for investors to trade tokens. This advantage can appeal to investors who value the ability to buy and sell assets as market conditions change quickly.
- Fractional Ownership is possible because ERC-based tokens may be split into very tiny portions. This may help with funding for high-value assets like real estate, fine art, or other types of investments.
Compared to traditional financing methods, ERC-based tokens provide a wide variety of advantages, including worldwide accessibility, quicker and less expensive transactions, improved transparency, programmability, liquidity, and fractional Ownership. These advantages have caused an ecosystem of ERC-based tokens to flourish, and they are being utilized for everything from fundraising to decentralized banking (DeFi). 3
- wandevs.org: https://wandevs.org/docs/erc20/integration/[↩]
- toptal.com: https://www.toptal.com/ethereum/create-erc20-token-tutorial[↩]
- fastercapital.com: https://fastercapital.com/content/What-is-an-ERC–token-and-how-can-it-benefit-your-startup.html[↩]