In the ecosystem of Ethereum, the world’s second-largest blockchain by market capitalization, ERC-20 stands as the most widely adopted token standard—acting as a “universal rulebook” that unifies how tokens are created, transferred, and managed. Before ERC-20 emerged, Ethereum-based tokens lacked a consistent framework; each project developed tokens with unique codes, leading to incompatibilities with wallets, exchanges, and decentralized applications (dApps). This fragmentation made it hard for users to interact with different tokens and for developers to integrate new tokens into existing platforms. ERC-20 solved this core pain point by defining a set of mandatory and optional functions, turning chaos into order and laying the foundation for the mass adoption of Ethereum-based tokens.
What is the ERC-20 Token Standard?
ERC-20, short for “Ethereum Request for Comments 20,” was proposed by developer Fabian Vogelsteller in 2015 and officially finalized in 2017. It is not a token itself but a technical specification that developers must follow when creating tokens on Ethereum. This specification outlines 6 mandatory functions and 3 optional functions, ensuring that all ERC-20 tokens behave consistently across the Ethereum ecosystem.
The mandatory functions directly address core user needs, including:
- Transfer function: Allows users to send ERC-20 tokens from their wallet address to another address, the most basic function for token circulation.
- Balance check function: Enables users or dApps to query the number of ERC-20 tokens held at a specific wallet address, essential for tracking asset ownership.
- Approval function: Lets a user authorize a third party (such as a dApp or exchange) to spend a certain amount of their tokens, a key feature for DeFi (Decentralized Finance) scenarios like lending and swapping.
- TransferFrom function: Works with the approval function to allow the authorized third party to execute token transfers on the user’s behalf.
- TotalSupply function: Returns the total number of the ERC-20 token in circulation, helping users understand the token’s supply scale.
- Allowance function: Queries the remaining amount of tokens that a third party is authorized to spend, preventing unauthorized over-spending.
Optional functions include setting the token’s name (e.g., “Tether USD”), symbol (e.g., “USDT”), and decimal places (usually 6–18, determining the smallest unit of the token). These details make tokens more user-friendly, as they let users quickly identify and calculate token amounts.
Why is ERC-20 the Mainstream Token Standard?
ERC-20’s dominance stems from three core advantages that cater to both developers and users, solidifying its position as the go-to standard for Ethereum tokens.
- High compatibility: All ERC-20 tokens follow the same rules, so they can seamlessly integrate with most Ethereum wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet), exchanges (e.g., Binance, Coinbase), and dApps. A wallet that supports one ERC-20 token can support thousands more without additional development—this “one-time adaptation” saves developers time and lets users manage multiple tokens in a single wallet.
- Low development threshold: The ERC-20 specification is clear and concise, with mature code templates available. Even developers with basic Ethereum programming skills can create a compliant ERC-20 token by modifying the template, reducing the barrier to entry for new projects.
- Strong ecosystem support: Over 90% of Ethereum-based tokens are ERC-20 compliant, including mainstream stablecoins (USDT-ERC20, USDC), DeFi tokens (UNI, AAVE), and governance tokens (COMP). This large-scale adoption creates a network effect: more projects choose ERC-20 because of its existing user base, and more users adopt ERC-20 because of the wide range of available tokens.
Typical Application Scenarios of ERC-20 Tokens
ERC-20 tokens are not limited to simple peer-to-peer transfers; they are the backbone of multiple sectors in the blockchain industry, covering diverse user needs.
- Stablecoins: Most stablecoins (tokens pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar) use the ERC-20 standard, such as USDT-ERC20 and USDC. These tokens combine the stability of fiat with the speed of Ethereum transfers, making them the primary medium for trading, remittances, and DeFi transactions.
- DeFi ecosystem: Almost all core DeFi protocols rely on ERC-20 tokens. For example, users deposit ERC-20 tokens into lending platforms (e.g., AAVE) to earn interest, use ERC-20 tokens as trading pairs on decentralized exchanges (e.g., Uniswap), or receive ERC-20 governance tokens to vote on protocol updates.
- DAO governance: Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) use ERC-20 tokens as “voting tickets.” Token holders can use their ERC-20 tokens to propose changes to the DAO (e.g., adjusting fee rates) or vote on existing proposals, ensuring decentralized decision-making.
- Project crowdfunding and incentives: Many blockchain projects issue ERC-20 tokens for initial fundraising (e.g., ICOs in the early days, now replaced by more regulated methods like IDOs) or as user incentives (e.g., rewarding users for participating in community activities or using dApps).
Notes for Using ERC-20 Tokens
While ERC-20 tokens are user-friendly, there are key points to keep in mind to avoid asset losses:
- Confirm the contract address: Each ERC-20 token has a unique smart contract address. When transferring or adding tokens to a wallet, always verify the address on the project’s official website—scammers often create fake tokens with similar names but incorrect addresses to steal assets.
- Pay attention to Gas fees: ERC-20 token transfers require Ethereum (ETH) as Gas to cover network costs. Gas fees fluctuate with Ethereum’s network congestion; during peak times (e.g., popular NFT minting), fees may rise sharply, so users can choose to transfer during off-peak hours to save costs.
- Understand token risks: ERC-20 is just a standard—its compliance does not guarantee the token’s investment value. Some ERC-20 tokens may have issues like excessive supply, lack of real use cases, or team fraud. Users should conduct thorough research before investing.
In summary, ERC-20 has become the “backbone” of the Ethereum token ecosystem by solving compatibility issues and lowering development barriers. As Ethereum continues to evolve (e.g., the transition to Proof of Stake), ERC-20 will likely remain the mainstream standard, supporting more innovative applications in DeFi, Web3, and beyond.
Corresponding Webpage Structure (Compliant with Baidu & Google SEO Rules)
The webpage structure is designed to be clear, hierarchical, and user-friendly, while ensuring that core keywords and long-tail keywords are naturally embedded in each section—facilitating search engine crawling and improving ranking.
1. Top Navigation Bar (H1 Level, Consistent with Page Title)
- Home: Links to the website’s homepage, guiding users to explore other blockchain-related content.
- ERC-20 Basics: Drops down to sub-links including “What is ERC-20?”, “ERC-20 Core Functions”, “ERC-20 vs. Other Standards (e.g., ERC-721)”.
- Application Scenarios: Drops down to sub-links including “ERC-20 in DeFi”, “ERC-20 Stablecoins”, “ERC-20 for DAO Governance”.
- User Guide: Drops down to sub-links including “How to Transfer ERC-20 Tokens”, “How to Check ERC-20 Balance”, “ERC-20 Transfer Gas Fee Tips”.
- Common Questions (FAQ): Links to a page answering high-frequency questions (e.g., “Why can’t I see my ERC-20 tokens in my wallet?”, “How to distinguish real vs. fake ERC-20 tokens”).
- Resource Center: Links to ERC-20 token contract address 查询 tools, Ethereum network status trackers (e.g., Etherscan), and official documentation for ERC-20.
2. Hero Section (Above the Fold)
- Main Title: Consistent with the page title: “ERC-20: The mainstream token standard on Ethereum, supporting transfer / balance check” (H1 tag, ensuring search engines recognize the core theme).
- Subtitle: Concise summary: “Learn about ERC-20—Ethereum’s most widely used token standard—including its functions, advantages, application scenarios, and usage tips for beginners and crypto enthusiasts.” (Embeds long-tail keywords like “ERC-20 for beginners”, “ERC-20 advantages”).
- Call-to-Action (CTA) Button: “Check Popular ERC-20 Tokens” (Links to a page listing mainstream ERC-20 tokens with their contract addresses and use cases, increasing user retention).
3. Main Content Area (H2-H3 Hierarchy, Matching the Above Article)
The main content is divided into 5 clear H2 sections, each with H3 subsections to break down information—avoiding large blocks of text and improving readability.
| H2 Section | H3 Subsections | Core Keywords Covered |
|---|---|---|
| What is the ERC-20 Token Standard? | 1.1 ERC-20’s Definition & Origin1.2 Mandatory & Optional Functions of ERC-20 | ERC-20 definition, ERC-20 origin, ERC-20 mandatory functions, ERC-20 optional functions |
| Why is ERC-20 Mainstream? | 2.1 ERC-20 Compatibility Advantage2.2 ERC-20 Low Development Threshold2.3 ERC-20 Ecosystem Support | ERC-20 mainstream reason, ERC-20 compatibility, ERC-20 development threshold |
| ERC-20 Application Scenarios | 3.1 ERC-20 in Stablecoins3.2 ERC-20 in DeFi3.3 ERC-20 in DAO Governance3.4 ERC-20 in Project Incentives | ERC-20 application scenarios, ERC-20 stablecoins, ERC-20 DeFi, ERC-20 DAO |
| ERC-20 Usage Notes | 4.1 How to Confirm ERC-20 Contract Address4.2 ERC-20 Transfer Gas Fee Tips4.3 ERC-20 Investment Risks | ERC-20 contract address check, ERC-20 Gas fee, ERC-20 investment risks |
| ERC-20 Future Outlook | 5.1 ERC-20 & Ethereum’s Evolution (PoS Transition)5.2 ERC-20 in Web3 & Metaverse | ERC-20 future outlook, ERC-20 Web3, ERC-20 Metaverse |
4. Right Sidebar (Auxiliary Content, Improving User Experience)
- Hot ERC-20 Tokens (Real-Time Update): Lists 5–8 mainstream tokens (e.g., USDT-ERC20, USDC, UNI) with their latest prices, 24h changes, and contract addresses—embedding keywords like “latest ERC-20 token prices”.
- Related Tutorials (Video/Article): Thumbnails and titles of tutorials like “How to Add ERC-20 Tokens to MetaMask” and “How to Check ERC-20 Balance on Etherscan”—covering long-tail keywords like “add ERC-20 to MetaMask tutorial”.
- Ethereum Network Status: Displays real-time Gas fees (low/medium/high) and block confirmation time—embedding keywords like “Ethereum real-time Gas fee”, “ERC-20 transfer block time”.
5. Bottom Section (Compliance & SEO Supplementary)
- Disclaimer: Clearly states that the content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice; reminds users of the risks of virtual currency transactions (compliant with search engine rules for financial-related content).
- Related Articles: Links to 3–5 relevant articles like “What is Ethereum? A Beginner’s Guide” and “ERC-721 vs. ERC-20: What’s the Difference?”—improving internal link density and user stickiness.
- Copyright & Contact: Includes website copyright information, contact email, and social media links (e.g., Twitter, Telegram)—enhancing website credibility.
- Keyword Tag Cloud: Displays core and long-tail keywords in a tag cloud, such as “ERC-20”, “ERC-20 token standard”, “ERC-20 transfer”, “ERC-20 balance check”, “ERC-20 DeFi application”—helping search engines identify the page’s key themes
