When working with ERC-20, a token standard on the Ethereum blockchain that defines how fungible tokens behave. Also known as Ethereum Request for Comments 20, it sets the rules for balance tracking, transfers, and approvals, you instantly get a common language that developers and wallets understand. ERC-20 makes it possible to list a new coin on any exchange without rewriting core code. In short, the standard lets anyone create a token that works everywhere, which is why it’s the backbone of most crypto projects you’ll read about later.
First, Ethereum, the open‑source blockchain that hosts smart contracts and decentralized apps. It provides the environment where ERC-20 lives, so any change to Ethereum’s gas fees or consensus impacts token users. Second, the smart contract, self‑executing code that enforces the ERC-20 rules without a middleman is the engine that moves tokens, checks balances, and grants approvals. Together they create a reliable, programmable money system that anyone can tap into.
Third, tokenomics, the economic design behind a token’s supply, distribution, and incentives builds on ERC-20’s features. By defining total supply, minting limits, and burn mechanisms within the contract, projects can shape scarcity and reward structures. This is why you’ll see articles about token burns, staking models, and airdrop eligibility—each one hinges on the tokenomics built into the ERC-20 contract.
Fourth, the rise of DeFi, decentralized finance platforms that offer lending, borrowing, and yield farming without banks has turned ERC-20 into the default asset class. Whether you’re swapping stablecoins, providing liquidity, or earning interest, the protocol expects ERC-20 compliance. That’s why understanding the standard helps you navigate yield farms, liquidity pools, and synthetic assets without hitting unexpected roadblocks.
All these pieces—Ethereum, smart contracts, tokenomics, and DeFi—interact to make ERC-20 the go‑to choice for new projects and investors alike. Below you’ll find a curated collection of guides, exchange reviews, airdrop details, and deep dives that unpack how ERC-20 tokens work in real‑world scenarios. Dive in and see how each article connects back to the core ideas introduced here.
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