ERC-20 Token Standard
The ERC-20 token standard is a set of technical specifications implemented on the Ethereum blockchain that defines how fungible tokens must behave. By adhering to this standard, developers ensure that their tokens are compatible with all existing wallets, decentralized exchanges, and lending protocols within the ecosystem.
It defines critical functions such as how tokens are transferred between addresses and how allowances are managed for third-party smart contracts. This standardization is the bedrock of modern decentralized finance, allowing for the rapid creation and exchange of synthetic assets and derivatives.
Because every ERC-20 token shares the same interface, developers can build tools that interact with any token without needing to know its specific internal code. This creates a highly efficient environment for capital to flow between different financial instruments.