Top ERC Token Standards: A Complete List

Ethereum Request for Comments (ERCs) are technical documents outlining rules and guidelines for developing smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Think of them as blueprints that enable developers to create tokens that will work consistently across the entire Ethereum ecosystem.

Each ERC standard has a specific purpose, defining how tokens should behave, interact with wallets, and function within applications. These standards are the foundation for creating everything from simple cryptocurrencies to complex digital assets.

What Are ERC Token Standards?

ERC standards begin their lives as Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs). When developers identify a need for standardization, they submit an EIP document detailing their proposed solution. This document undergoes very careful examination and discussion within the Ethereum community.

Here are the steps of the process:

1. A developer submits an EIP to address a specific issue or opportunity
2. The community reviews and discusses the proposal
3. If accepted, the EIP becomes a formal standard (ERC)
4. Developers can then implement the standard in their projects

All these steps and a community-driven approach are necessary so that the standards meet real-world needs and have broad support before implementation.

Importance of Standardization in Ethereum Smart Contracts

The standardization process creates significant benefits, and let’s have a look at some of them:

Interoperability: Standards ensure that tokens can interact with wallets, exchanges, and applications without custom integration work. It just works when you send an ERC-20 token to a compatible wallet.

Security: By following established standards, developers can avoid common pitfalls and vulnerabilities. These standards have been tested multiple times across thousands of projects.

Efficiency: Standards prevent developers from reinventing the wheel. Rather than creating token functionality from scratch, they can implement proven standards and focus on their unique value proposition.

User Experience: Standardization creates familiarity for users. When tokens follow known standards, users can interact with them confidently, knowing how they should behave.

Without these standards, the Ethereum system would be fragmented, with each project implementing its own token mechanisms. The result would be incompatibility, security breaches, and a poor user experience.

Core ERC Token Standards

In this section, we will discuss some of the most basic and fundamental ERC token standards:

ERC-20: Standard for Fungible Tokens

ERC-20 is the cornerstone of Ethereum’s token economy. Introduced in 2015, this standard defines how fungible tokens operate—tokens where each unit is identical and interchangeable with any other unit.

Here are some of the key functions of the standard:

• totalSupply: Tracks the total number of tokens
• balanceOf: Shows how many tokens an address holds
• transfer: Sends tokens from one address to another
• approve: Allows a third party to spend tokens on your behalf
• transferFrom: Enables approved third-party transfers
• allowance: Displays how many tokens a spender can use

This standardization makes ERC-20 tokens universally compatible with exchanges, wallets, and DApps without requiring custom coding for each integration.

When it comes to its use cases, the ERC-20 standard powers thousands of cryptocurrencies, including utility tokens like Basic Attention Token (BAT),  stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), and governance tokens including Uniswap (UNI) and Compound (COMP). 

Despite its widespread use, ERC-20 isn’t without flaws. One significant issue is that tokens sent to non-compatible contracts can become permanently lost—a problem that has cost users millions of dollars. This limitation has prompted the development of improved standards like ERC-223. 

ERC-223: Token Standard with Enhanced Transfer Functionality

Developed as a direct response to ERC-20’s shortcomings, ERC-223 addresses a critical flaw that has led to substantial token losses. When users accidentally send ERC-20 tokens to a contract that isn’t designed to handle them, those tokens become permanently locked.

Key Improvements:

• Smart contract verification before completing transfers
• Automatic rejection of incompatible transfers
• Single-step transfers, compared to ERC-20’s two-step process
• Preservation of user tokens when errors occur

These safety mechanisms make ERC-223 particularly valuable for newcomers who might not understand the technical nuances of token transfers.

In 2020 alone, users lost millions of dollars in high-profile incidents, including 28,050 AAVE tokens (worth $1.1 million) and $1 million USDT, simply by sending tokens to the wrong contract addresses. ERC-223 would have prevented these losses by rejecting the invalid transactions.

Beyond safety, ERC-223 also offers efficiency benefits:

• Up to 15% lower gas fees for DeFi operations
• Elimination of the separate “Approval” step required by ERC-20
• Reduced transaction complexity

Despite these advantages, ERC-223 wasn’t as popular as ERC-20, mainly because of ERC-20’s first-mover advantage and entrenched infrastructure support.

ERC-721: Non-Fungible Token (NFT) Standard

ERC-721 was revolutionary as it introduced the concept of non-fungible tokens—assets that are unique and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. Unlike ERC-20, where tokens are identical and interchangeable, each ERC-721 token has distinct properties and value.

Core Functions:

• ownerOf: Identifies the owner of a specific token
• transferFrom: Transfers ownership of a token
• safeTransferFrom: Ensures the recipient can handle NFTs
• approve: Grants permission for token transfers
• getApproved: Shows who has transfer approval
• setApprovalForAll: Authorizes an operator to manage all tokens

The uniqueness of each token is established through a tokenID—a numerical identifier that distinguishes it from every other token in the contract.

Popular Applications:

• Digital art marketplaces like OpenSea and Rarible
• Virtual real estate in platforms such as Decentraland
• Collectible games, including CryptoKitties and Axie Infinity
• Domain name services like Ethereum Name Service (ENS)
• Event tickets and membership passes

The ERC-721 standard sparked the NFT boom of 2021, which enabled artists, creators, and businesses to tokenize unique assets and establish verifiable digital ownership. Its significance was not only connected to art. It represented real-world assets on the blockchain.

ERC-777: Advanced Token Standard with Operator Functionality

ERC-777 uses ERC-20’s foundation and also introduces advanced features for better control and functionality. Critically, it maintains backward compatibility with ERC-20, allowing smooth integration with existing infrastructure.

Advanced Capabilities:

• Operators: Authorized third parties that can manage tokens on behalf of users
• Hooks: Functions that execute automatically when tokens are sent or received
• Send/Receive Interface: More intuitive transaction functions compared to ERC-20
• Data Field: Ability to attach information to token transfers

The operator functionality is particularly powerful for DeFi applications, enabling delegated actions like automated trading strategies or scheduled payments without compromising security.

Security Enhancements:

• Prevention of tokens sent to incompatible contracts
• Rejection mechanism for failed transactions
• Blacklisting capability for suspicious addresses

While ERC-777 offers significant improvements over ERC-20, its adoption has been slower than expected. The increased complexity and changes to the familiar ERC-20 patterns have caused developers to be hesitant despite its technical advantages.

ERC-1155: Multi-Token Standard

ERC-1155 is one of the most efficient and versatile token standards created for the Ethereum system. Unlike earlier standards, which required separate contracts for different token types, ERC-1155 enables a single contract to manage an unlimited number of fungible and non-fungible tokens.

Transformative Features:

• Batch Transfers: Send multiple token types in a single transaction
• Semi-Fungibility: Create tokens with both fungible and non-fungible properties
• Gas Optimization: Reduce transaction costs through efficient design
• Atomic Swaps: Exchange multiple items simultaneously

This multi-token approach dramatically reduces the complexity and cost of managing diverse assets. For instance, a gaming platform can create currencies, collectibles, and equipment all within a single contract.

It can be used in gaming platforms like the Sandbox and Enjin, marketplaces that handle diverse asset types, metaverse environments with multiple token categories, and trading card games with varying rarity levels.

ERC-1155’s efficiency shines in statistics: batch transfers can reduce gas costs by up to 90% compared to individual transfers of ERC-20 or ERC-721 tokens. 

ERC-4626: Tokenized Vault Standard

ERC-4626 addresses a critical need in DeFi by standardizing yield-bearing vaults. Before this standard, each DeFi protocol implemented its own unique vault mechanism, creating fragmentation and complexity for users and developers.

Standardized Components:

• Deposit/Withdraw: Unified methods for adding and removing assets
• Asset Accounting: Consistent tracking of underlying assets and shares
• Yield Calculation: Standardized approach to measuring returns
• Integration Interface: Common methods for other protocols to interact with vaults

By establishing these common interfaces, ERC-4626 simplifies how users interact with yield-generating protocols. A user can understand one ERC-4626 vault and then confidently use any other compliant vault without learning new mechanisms.

Benefits for the DeFi Ecosystem:

• Reduced development time for new yield products
• Enhanced security through standardized implementations
• Simplified integration for wallets and portfolio trackers
• Greater capital efficiency across the system

Major DeFi protocols, including Yearn Finance, Aave, and Compound, have been implemented or are transitioning to ERC-4626, and this action is signaling its importance. This standard has the potential to accelerate innovation by allowing developers to focus on strategy rather than rebuilding basic vault functionality.

ERC-998: Composable Non-Fungible Token Standard

ERC-998 introduces a hierarchical ownership structure through “composable” NFTs. In other words, tokens can now own other tokens. This concept allowed the creation of a parent-child relationship between digital assets.

Key Mechanisms:

• Token Ownership: NFTs can own both ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens
• Bundled Transfers: When transferring a parent NFT, all child tokens transfer with it
• Nested Structures: Support for multiple levels of ownership hierarchies
• Inheritance: Child tokens inherit properties from parent tokens

This synergy creates powerful new possibilities for digital asset representation. For example, a virtual land parcel (parent NFT) could contain buildings, resources, and utilities (child NFTs) that transfer together when the land is sold.

Several innovations followed this standard. Virtual real estate platforms now use composable NFTs to bundle land parcels with buildings and utilities. Gamers benefit from characters that own their equipment and achievements directly. 

Art collectors create tokenized galleries where one NFT contains an entire curated collection. Digital identity systems leverage this technology to connect credentials and assets to a single verifiable token, streamlining verification processes across platforms.

ERC-827: Extended ERC-20 Standard

ERC-827 increases the functionality of ERC-20 tokens by adding data parameters to token transfers. While ERC-20 only allows the transfer of tokens, ERC-827 enables tokens to carry instructions or information as part of the transaction.

Here are the capabilities:

• Data Transfer: Attach metadata or instructions to token movements
• Smart Contract Interaction: Trigger contract functions during transfers
• Single-Transaction Operations: Combine multiple actions into one transaction
• Advanced Permissions: Better authorization mechanisms

This functionality enables more complex token interactions without requiring multiple separate transactions. For example, a token transfer could simultaneously execute a contract function, set permissions, or update related data.

Here are some practical applications of the standard:

• Atomic swaps between different tokens
• Decentralized exchanges with on-chain order execution
• Payment systems with built-in processing instructions
• Governance systems with voting parameters

ERC-827’s ability to combine token transfers with contract execution creates opportunities for better financial instruments and interactive token economies. However, this increased capability also introduces additional security considerations that developers must carefully address.

ERC-864: Shared Ownership of NFTs

ERC-864 tackles one of the significant limitations of traditional NFTs: exclusive ownership. This standard enables multiple parties to share ownership of a single non-fungible token. It opens new possibilities for collaborative investment and partial ownership.

Here are some of the core features of the standard:

• Fractional Ownership: Division of a single NFT among multiple holders
• Rights Management: Governance of shared assets through defined rules
• Transfer Mechanics: Protocols for trading ownership shares
• Revenue Distribution: Systems for sharing income from the asset

This approach makes previously inaccessible high-value NFTs available to a broader market through fractional investment. For instance, a $1 million digital artwork could be divided among 1,000 investors with $1,000 each.

Market Applications:

• High-value digital art with shared ownership
• Real estate represented as fractional NFTs
• Expensive collectibles with distributed investment
• Community-owned assets and intellectual property

ERC-1132: Token Locking Mechanism

ERC-1132 introduces time-based restrictions to token usage through standardized locking mechanisms. This capability is needed and is essential for implementing vesting schedules, staking requirements, and governance constraints.

Locking Functions:

• Time-Based Locks: Restrict token transfers until a specific time
• Conditional Releases: Unlock tokens when predefined criteria are met
• Partial Unlocking: Release tokens in stages according to schedules
• Lock Querying: Check the status and duration of existing locks

These mechanisms provide important infrastructure for creating trustless (blockchain-secured promises) agreements where tokens remain inaccessible until certain conditions are fulfilled.

When it comes to practical implementations, developers have started using this standard in various projects. Crypto projects regularly implement it for team token vesting schedules, ensuring gradual distribution over time rather than immediate access. Staking platforms leverage the standard to enforce minimum commitment periods, preventing early withdrawals.

The standard has also found its way into governance systems where tokens must be locked before voting rights activate. Perhaps most interestingly, several projects use ERC-1132 to create trustless escrow services where tokens remain locked until specific conditions are met – something that wasn’t easily possible before this standard emerged.

ERC-1132 enables advanced token economics by introducing time and condition-based constraints, allowing projects to align incentives and ensure long-term commitment from stakeholders.

ERC-1203: Multi-Class Token Standard

ERC-1203 expands token functionality by supporting multiple classes or categories within a single contract. This innovation is for creating tokens with varying rights, privileges, or characteristics under unified management.

Here are some of the unique capabilities of this standard:

• Class-Based Properties: Assign different attributes to token categories
• Hierarchical Rights: Create token tiers with varying privileges
• Unified Management: Administer diverse token types through one interface
• Flexible Conversion: Define rules for exchanging between token classes

This approach is particularly valuable for organizations with complex stakeholder structures. For example, a company could issue different classes of tokens for investors, team members, and users, each with its own specific rights and restrictions.

ERC-165: Standard Interface Detection

While less visible to end users, ERC-165 is a crucial infrastructure because it enables smart contracts to declare which interfaces they support and allows other contracts to check for compatibility.

Core Functionality:

• Interface Declaration: Contracts publish which standards they implement
• Compatibility Checking: External systems verify support before interaction
• Dynamic Discovery: Automated detection of supported functions
• Error Prevention: Avoidance of interactions with incompatible contracts

This capability forms an essential building block for more complex standards and interactions. Before attempting to use specific functions, a contract can verify whether the target contract actually supports them.

So, what are the benefits of the System? Let’s check them out:

• Reduction in failed transactions
• Prevention of token losses from incompatible transfers
• Enhanced interoperability between contracts
• Simplified integration of diverse components

Many other ERC standards, including ERC-721 and ERC-1155, implement ERC-165 to enable interface detection, and because of that, it becomes essential.

ERC-173: Contract Ownership Standard

ERC-173 establishes a uniform pattern for managing smart contract ownership and administrative control. This standardization brings consistency to how contracts handle ownership transfers and permission structures.

Standardized Functions:

• Current Administrator Check: Identifies the current contract owner
• Authority Transfer: Transfers control to a new address 
• Governance Alerts: Emits notifications when ownership changes

Before ERC-173, developers implemented ownership mechanics in various inconsistent ways. This standard creates a common language for administrative control, simplifying contract management and interaction.

The ERC-173 standard finds its purpose in various administrative cases. Developers commonly implement it for contract upgrades and routine maintenance tasks. Projects also rely on this standard when adjusting parameters or modifying configurations as their needs evolve. 

During security incidents, the clear ownership model enables swift interventions to protect user assets. Some projects extend this functionality by implementing multi-signature requirements, ensuring major governance changes require approval from several authorized parties rather than a single owner.

ERC-677: Transfer and Call Token Standard

ERC-677 combines token transfers with contract function calls in a single transaction, creating a more efficient mechanism for token-based interactions. This capability simplifies processes that would otherwise require multiple separate operations.

Here are some of the capabilities of the standard:

• Atomic Operations: Link token transfers with function execution
• Callback Mechanism: Notify receivers about incoming tokens
• Single-Transaction Workflow: Eliminate multi-step processes
• Reduced Gas Costs: Lower fees through operation consolidation

This approach improves user experience because it reduces the number of transactions needed for common token-based activities. For instance, depositing tokens into a DeFi protocol can happen in one step rather than requiring separate approval and deposit transactions.

Efficiency Implementations:

• Streamlined DEX trading processes
• Simplified staking and yield farming
• One-step token bridge transfers
• Integrated payment and processing systems

While it is conceptually similar to some features in ERC-777, ERC-677 provides a more focused approach, specifically targeting the combination of transfers and function calls, making it easier to implement for specific use cases.

ERC-2981: NFT Royalty Standard

ERC-2981 addresses one of the most significant challenges, which is to ensure ongoing compensation for artists and creators when their work is resold. This standard implements a universal royalty payment system for NFTs.

Royalty Mechanisms:

• Royalty Information: Standard method to query applicable royalties
• Fee Calculation: Consistent approach to determining payment amounts
• Creator Identification: Clear designation of royalty recipients
• Marketplace Integration: Common interface for all platforms

Before this standard, NFT marketplaces implemented royalties in inconsistent ways, leading to fragmentation and potential loss of creator income when assets were sold across different platforms.

ERC-677 provides creators with consistent income through secondary sales, enforces royalties across platforms, offers transparent payment structures, and creates a sustainable economic model for digital creation.

Major NFT marketplaces, including OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation, have implemented ERC-2981, creating a more unified royalty system that is better for creators.

ERC-3525: Semi-Fungible Token Standard

ERC-3525 occupies a unique position between fungible and non-fungible tokens by introducing semi-fungible tokens (SFTs). These hybrid assets combine the value-based nature of fungible tokens with the unique properties of NFTs.

Distinctive Features:

• Value Dimension: Tokens have numerical values like fungible tokens
• Uniqueness: Each token maintains distinct identification
• Slot Categories: Tokens organized into classified groups
• Partial Transfers: Value can be split and transferred partially

This is a new approach, and it enables a more nuanced representation of assets that have both shared and unique characteristics. For example, financial instruments like bonds share common features (maturity dates, interest rates) but may have different face values.

Financial Applications:

• Bonds with varying values but identical terms
• Options contracts with common expiration but different strikes
• Time-based assets with different durations
• Loans with similar terms but varying amounts

ERC-3525’s hybrid nature opens new possibilities for representing complex financial instruments on the blockchain, bridging the gap between simple tokens and fully unique NFTs.

ERC-4671: Non-Tradable Tokens Standard

ERC-4671 introduces a specialized type of non-fungible token designed specifically for non-transferable assets like credentials, certifications, and personal achievements. Unlike traditional NFTs, these tokens cannot be sold or transferred once issued.

Below are the key characteristics:

• Non-Transferability: Tokens remain permanently with the initial recipient
• Revocability: Issuers can invalidate tokens when appropriate
• Validation: Third parties can verify token authenticity
• Metadata: Support for detailed credential information

This standard fills an important gap by providing a framework for representing achievements and qualifications that should not be transferable to others.

Credential Applications:

• Academic degrees and certifications
• Professional qualifications and licenses
• Event attendance and participation proofs
• Community membership and status recognition

By creating a standardized approach to non-transferable credentials, ERC-4671 enables blockchain-based verification systems that can replace or supplement traditional certification methods. Ultimately, it improves accessibility while reducing fraud.

ERC-6239: Semantic Soulbound Tokens

ERC-6239 extends the concept of non-transferable tokens by incorporating rich semantic data structures. This standard enables more complex and detailed credential representation through structured data rather than simple metadata.

Advanced Capabilities:

• Semantic Data: Structured information following standardized schemas
• Credential Frameworks: Support for established verification systems
• Interoperability: Compatibility with existing identity solutions
• Progressive Disclosure: Selective revelation of credential details

This semantic approach creates opportunities for better identity and credential systems, where the meaning and context of the credential are embedded in the token itself.

Identity Applications:

• Professional credentials with detailed qualification data
• Educational transcripts with course and grade information
• Medical records with structured clinical data
• Compliance certifications with specific regulatory details

ERC-6239 is an evolution in blockchain-based identity, moving beyond simple ownership records to complex credential systems with rich semantic information. It maintains privacy and also enables verification.

ERC-6734: Layer 2 Token List

ERC-6734 handles the challenges of token information consistency across Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solutions and sidechains. As Ethereum expands across multiple networks, maintaining consistent token data becomes increasingly complex.

Cross-Layer Functions:

• Standardized Metadata: Consistent token information across networks
• Bridge Integration: Simplified cross-chain token transfers
• Discovery Mechanisms: Network-agnostic token lookup systems
• Verification Procedures: Validation of token authenticity across layers

This standard creates a unified framework for tracking and verifying tokens as they move between Ethereum’s main network and various scaling solutions like Optimism, Arbitrum, and Polygon.

Let’s now break down the standard’s benefits. The first one is that users enjoy smoother experiences when moving between networks since token information remains consistent everywhere they go. Also, developers spend less time wrestling with cross-chain compatibility issues, allowing them to focus on building innovative applications instead of solving basic integration problems. 

The standardized verification process enhances security across networks, significantly reducing the risk of token spoofing and related attacks. Perhaps most importantly, users no longer face the confusion of seeing different metadata for the same token on different networks – a common frustration in multi-chain environments.

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How ERC Standards Impact the Ethereum Ecosystem

ERC standards have transformed Ethereum from a single blockchain into a dynamic ecosystem of interconnected applications and services. This interoperability creates network effects that benefit the entire system:

• Wallets can support thousands of tokens without custom integration
• Exchanges can list new tokens quickly using standardized interfaces
• DApps can interact with any compliant token without additional development

When developers follow established standards, they gain immediate access to the entire Ethereum system. A new ERC-20 token can instantly work with hundreds of wallets, exchanges, and applications—functionality that would require months of integration work without standardization.

And this does not only concern Ethereum itself. ERC standards have influenced other blockchain platforms, with many implementing similar or compatible token standards. This cross-chain compatibility facilitates asset movement between blockchains and expands Ethereum-based assets’ reach.

Enhancing Smart Contract Security and Functionality

ERC standards have an essential role in improving security:

• Well-audited standard implementations reduce vulnerability risks
• Established patterns eliminate common implementation errors
• Consistent interfaces enable thorough security analysis

Rather than creating token functionality from scratch—with all the associated security risks—developers can implement time-tested standards that have undergone extensive security inspection.

Adoption in DeFi, Gaming, and Enterprise Solutions

The impact of ERC standards extends across multiple sectors. Let’s start with the DeFi transformation. Standards like ERC-20 and ERC-4626 form the foundation of decentralized finance. Creating lending protocols, decentralized exchanges, and yield-generating strategies that have grown into a multi-billion dollar ecosystem are all possible because of them.

Another aspect is the gaming revolution. ERC-721 and ERC-1155 have improved gaming economies by enabling true ownership of digital assets. Players can now own, trade, and monetize in-game items across different games and platforms.

Standards like ERC-1400 for security tokens and ERC-4671 for credentials provide the infrastructure for enterprise blockchain applications, offering compliance features necessary for business adoption.

The standardization provided by ERCs reduces development costs, accelerates innovation, and creates predictable behavior that businesses and users can rely on. This has been essential in Ethereum’s growth from a developer-focused platform to a mainstream technology with broad applications.

Choosing the Right ERC Standard for Your Project

You need to make a decision based on your specific application needs. This section will make the selection process easier: 

For Cryptocurrencies and Simple Tokens:

• ERC-20 remains the most widely supported standard
• ERC-223 offers improved safety for token transfers
• ERC-777 provides enhanced functionality with hooks

For Digital Collectibles and Unique Assets:

• ERC-721 is ideal for one-of-a-kind items
• ERC-1155 works best when handling both fungible and non-fungible assets
• ERC-998 enables composable collections with hierarchical structures

For Financial Applications:

• ERC-4626 standardizes yield-bearing vaults
• ERC-3525 supports semi-fungible assets like bonds or options
• ERC-1400 offers compliance features for security tokens

For Identity and Credentials:

• ERC-4671 provides a framework for non-transferable achievements
• ERC-6239 enables rich semantic data for advanced credentials

The right standard aligns with both your current requirements and future growth plans. Consider not just what you need today, but how your application might evolve as your user base and functionality expand.

Security, Efficiency, and Scalability Considerations

Beyond basic functionality, evaluate standards based on the factors below. Try to ask these questions, and answers might lead you to make the final decision:

Security Profile:

• How long has the standard been in use?
• Has it undergone security audits and testing?
• Are there known vulnerabilities or exploits?
• Does it include safety mechanisms for common errors?

Efficiency Metrics:

• What are the gas costs for typical operations?
• Does it support batch operations to reduce fees?
• How does it handle metadata and storage?
• Are there optimizations for frequent transactions?

Scalability Potential:

• How will it perform under high transaction loads?
• Is it compatible with Layer 2 scaling solutions?
• Can it support growing user bases efficiently?
• Does it minimize on-chain operations where possible?

The tradeoffs between these factors will depend on your needs. A high-value financial application might prioritize security over gas efficiency, while a gaming platform handling thousands of transactions might focus on scalability and low fees.

Integration with Layer 2 Solutions and Ethereum Upgrades

When selecting an ERC standard, always consider how it meshes with Ethereum’s evolving ecosystem. Your chosen standard should work well with Layer 2 scaling solutions like Optimism and Arbitrum and also, it should maintain functionality on sidechains such as Polygon. 

Standards that ensure cross-layer consistency will save enormous headaches as your project grows across multiple scaling environments. Equally important is alignment with Ethereum’s future roadmap – standards lacking community support or development might become obsolete after protocol upgrades. 

Projects built on actively maintained standards tend to succeed long-term, while those based on abandoned specifications often require costly rewrites. The most resilient projects choose standards backed by vibrant communities that adapt to Ethereum’s continuous evolution.

Conclusion

ERC token standards form the foundation of Ethereum’s ecosystem. They enable interoperability, security, and innovation across thousands of applications. From the foundational ERC-20 that powers much of DeFi to specialized standards like ERC-4626 for yield vaults and ERC-6239 for identity credentials, these standards provide the building blocks for blockchain-based solutions across numerous industries.

When selecting a standard for your project, it’s important that you consider not just current functionality needs but also security requirements, efficiency concerns, and long-term compatibility with Ethereum’s changing infrastructure. 

As Ethereum continues to mature, we can expect new standards to emerge addressing new use cases and technical challenges. The community-driven process for developing and adopting these standards will make sure they meet real-world needs and also maintain the interoperability that makes Ethereum such a powerful platform for innovation.

ERC Token Standards FAQs

References

1. Ethereum Improvement Proposals
2. Fungibility – Investopedia
3. NFT Boom – Reuters
4. Vesting Schedule – Corporate Finance Institute