What is an ERC-20 Token?
An ERC-20 token is a type of cryptocurrency built on the Ethereum blockchain that follows a standard interface. This standard, defined in EIP-20, ensures compatibility with wallets, exchanges, and decentralized applications (dApps).
Steps to Create an ERC-20 Token (Theoretical Overview)
1. Design the Token
Decide on:
- Name
- Symbol
- Decimals
- Total Supply
2. Write the Smart Contract
- Use the Solidity programming language.
- Follow the ERC-20 interface exactly.
- You can either write the functions from scratch or import a secure implementation from OpenZeppelin, a trusted open-source library.
3. Compile the Contract
Use tools like Remix (online IDE), Hardhat, or Truffle to compile the contract into bytecode and ABI (Application Binary Interface).
4. Deploy the Contract
Deploy the contract to:
- Ethereum Mainnet (real tokens with value)
- Or a Testnet like Goerli or Sepolia for testing
Deployment requires paying gas fees using ETH.
5. Verify and Publish
After deployment, verify the contract source code on Etherscan. This makes it transparent and trusted by others.
What Happens After Deployment?
Once deployed:
- The smart contract controls the token.
- The deployer (you) usually receives the full initial supply.
- The token can be transferred, traded, or used in dApps.
Users can add the token to their MetaMask wallet using its contract address and details.