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Ethereum and ERC20 Tokens: Explained
Cryptocurrency
Published on: Jun 7, 2024
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In Brief
Discover more about Ethereum, ERC20 Tokens, and what these technologies mean for decentralization.
Ethereum hosts a vibrant ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps) and custom tokens through a concept known as ERC20. This article explores the inner workings of Ethereum, explores the core principle of decentralization, and sheds light on the significance of ERC20 tokens within this platform.
Before You Get Started
Before you explore Ethereum and ERC20 in more detail, remember that you can buy Ethereum using Trust Wallet. You can also use Trust Wallet as your dedicated Ethereum wallet—which supports ETH and ERC20 tokens.
Ethereum: More Than Just Cryptocurrency
Ethereum operates as a decentralized computing platform, powered by its native token, Ether (ETH). The Ethereum platform leverages blockchain technology to facilitate the creation and execution of smart contracts. Smart contracts are self-executing agreements that automate specific actions when predefined conditions are met. . Smart contracts eliminate the need for intermediaries and central authorities.
At the core of Ethereum’s philosophy lies decentralization, which enables users to interact directly with each other and removes the control from any single entity. Transactions are transparent and immutable, recorded permanently on a public ledger, fostering trust and security within the network. For a comprehensive introduction to Ethereum, refer to this article: A Beginner's Guide to Ethereum.
ERC20 Tokens: Fueling the Decentralized Economy
ERC20 stands for "Ethereum Request for Comment 20." ERC20 is not a token itself. ECR-20 is a technical standard that defines a set of rules for creating tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. This standardized approach offers several advantages:
Compatibility: ERC20 tokens integrate with existing Ethereum infrastructure like wallets and exchanges, facilitating their creation, management, and trade.
Security: By adhering to the ERC20 standard, developers benefit from the inherent security features of the Ethereum blockchain.
Interoperability: Different ERC20 tokens can interact with each other within dApps, fostering a more interconnected and dynamic ecosystem.
The popularity of ERC20 has led to the creation of a wide range of tokens, each serving a specific purpose within the Ethereum network. Here are some prominent examples:
Stablecoins: Tokens pegged to real-world assets like the US dollar (e.g. DAI, USDC) to offer price stability in the cryptocurrency market.
Utility Tokens: Tokens used to access specific services or functionalities within a dApp (e.g. Basic Attention Token (BAT) for the Brave browser).
Governance Tokens: Tokens that grant voting rights within a decentralized project (e.g. Maker (MKR) for the MakerDAO platform).
One example of an ERC20 token is Shiba Inu (SHIB). SHIB is a meme token that gained significant popularity in late 2021. While its intrinsic value remains debatable, SHIB is a prime illustration of the diverse applications ERC20 tokens can have within the Ethereum ecosystem.
The Power of Smart Contracts: Building a Decentralized World
Smart contracts are the cornerstone of Ethereum's decentralized ecosystem. These programmable agreements enable the creation of a wide range of DApps, each with a unique purpose. Smart contracts support a decentralized marketplace where users can buy and sell goods without relying on a central authority; a decentralized exchange where cryptocurrencies can be traded peer-to-peer; and a decentralized prediction market where users can wager on future events. Smart contracts make these applications possible, fostering innovation and disruption across various industries.
Creating and deploying a custom smart contract is a complex task, requiring extensive coding expertise. To streamline this process and ensure interoperability within the Ethereum network, standardized token formats like ERC20 were introduced.
Exploring the Ethereum Ecosystem: Where to Begin?
Ethereum and ERC20 tokens can seem complex at first glance, but we’re helping people get involved with the ecosystem easier than ever. As a starting point for your exploration, to interact with the Ethereum network and store your ETH or ERC20 tokens, you'll need an Ethereum wallet, such as Trust Wallet.
How to Buy Ethereum (ETH) Using Trust Wallet
You can buy crypto, including Ethereum, using Trust Wallet, via our trusted partners. Here’s how:
Select “Buy” from the home screen.
Search for “Ethereum” or “ETH” and select it.
Choose the currency you want to use, then enter the amount of ETH you want to purchase.
Select the third-party provider & payment method you’d like to use.
Select the Buy button and complete the remaining steps.
Remember that in addition to ETH, Trust Wallet lets you manage and interact with 10M+ crypto assets across 100+ blockchains. You can also send ETH to your Ethereum wallet.
Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes and not investment advice. Web3 and crypto come with risk. Please do your own research with respect to interacting with any Web3 applications or crypto assets. View our terms of service.
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Note: Any cited numbers, figures, or illustrations are reported at the time of writing, and are subject to change.
