What are the token standards in the blockchain?

Token standards like ERC-20 and ERC-721 ensure blockchain tokens are interoperable, secure, and functional across wallets, exchanges, and dApps.

Jun 15, 2025 at 03:22 am

Understanding Token Standards in Blockchain

Token standards are foundational protocols that define how tokens operate on a blockchain network. These standards ensure interoperability, consistency, and functionality across different applications and platforms. In the context of cryptocurrencies and decentralized systems, token standards provide developers with a set of rules to follow when creating new tokens.

Token standards are not arbitrary; they are carefully designed to support specific use cases such as payments, smart contracts, governance, or digital collectibles. Without these standards, tokens would lack uniformity, making integration with wallets, exchanges, and decentralized applications (dApps) extremely difficult.

Ethereum's ERC-20 Standard

One of the most widely adopted token standards is ERC-20, which operates on the Ethereum blockchain. This standard defines a common set of functions and events that Ethereum-based tokens must implement. These include transferring tokens, querying account balances, and approving token transfers.

• Transfer Functionality: Allows users to send tokens from one address to another.
• Approval Mechanism: Enables third-party spending of tokens on behalf of the owner, useful for dApp integrations.
• Event Logging: Tracks and logs all token transactions for transparency and auditability.

Developers can deploy their own ERC-20 tokens by writing smart contracts that comply with this standard. This ensures seamless compatibility with Ethereum-based wallets like MetaMask and exchanges like Binance.

ERC-721: The Non-Fungible Token Standard

Unlike ERC-20 tokens, which are fungible (each token is interchangeable), ERC-721 introduces the concept of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Each token under this standard is unique and represents ownership of a specific asset, such as digital art, music, or virtual real estate.

• Unique Identifiers: Each token has a distinct ID, ensuring no two tokens are the same.
• Ownership Tracking: The standard includes mechanisms to verify and transfer ownership securely.
• Metadata Support: Allows for the attachment of metadata, such as images or descriptions, to each token.

ERC-721 laid the groundwork for the booming NFT market, enabling platforms like OpenSea and Rarible to thrive. It also paved the way for more advanced standards like ERC-1155, which supports both fungible and non-fungible tokens within a single contract.

Other Notable Token Standards on Ethereum

Ethereum hosts several other token standards tailored to specific needs:

• ERC-223: Designed to prevent accidental token transfers to smart contracts that don't support them, improving security over ERC-20.
• ERC-777: Offers enhanced control over token transfers, including hooks for smart contracts to react to incoming tokens.
• ERC-1155: A semi-fungible standard allowing multiple token types to be managed within a single smart contract, reducing gas costs and increasing efficiency.

These standards offer flexibility depending on the application’s requirements. Developers choose a standard based on whether the token needs to be fungible, non-fungible, or a hybrid, along with considerations around security and cost-efficiency.

Token Standards Beyond Ethereum

While Ethereum pioneered many token standards, other blockchains have developed their own frameworks:

• BEP-20 (Binance Smart Chain): Similar to ERC-20, it allows for token creation on the Binance ecosystem.
• TRC-10 and TRC-20 (Tron): TRC-10 tokens are native to the Tron blockchain, while TRC-20 follows a structure similar to Ethereum's ERC-20.
• SPL (Solana): Solana's token program enables the creation of custom tokens with features like freezing, minting, and burning.

Each blockchain tailors its standards to optimize for speed, cost, or scalability. For example, BEP-20 tokens benefit from lower transaction fees compared to Ethereum, making them attractive for high-volume applications.

How to Choose the Right Token Standard

Selecting an appropriate token standard depends on several factors:

• Use Case: Determine if the token should be fungible, non-fungible, or semi-fungible.
• Blockchain Platform: Consider the target blockchain and its supported standards.
• Community and Ecosystem: Evaluate the level of adoption and tooling available for the chosen standard.
• Security and Auditing: Ensure the standard has undergone thorough testing and has a strong track record.

For instance, launching a gaming project with in-game assets may favor ERC-1155 due to its ability to handle both fungible and non-fungible items efficiently. On the other hand, launching a stablecoin might lean toward ERC-20 or BEP-20 for simplicity and wide wallet support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a token comply with more than one standard?

A: Yes, some tokens are built to adhere to multiple standards. For example, a token might follow both ERC-20 and ERC-777 to combine broad compatibility with enhanced features.

Q: Are token standards legally binding?

A: No, token standards are technical guidelines rather than legal agreements. However, following a standard is essential for interoperability and user trust.

Q: Do all blockchains support token standards?

A: Most modern blockchains do, but the types and capabilities vary. Older or less flexible chains may not support customizable token creation at all.

Q: How are new token standards proposed and adopted?

A: In ecosystems like Ethereum, token standards are typically proposed through Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs). Once reviewed and accepted by the community, they become official standards.