Introduction

ERC-20 tokens are the backbone of the Ethereum ecosystem, representing a wide range of digital assets that can be traded or utilized in transactions. With over 200,000 ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain, this protocol has become a cornerstone for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts.

Key Terms:

• ERC: Ethereum Request for Comment
• 20: Proposal identifier for the token standard

The Core ERC-20 Standard

Creating a smart contract on Ethereum is streamlined with ERC-20, which provides:

• Transferability: Tokens can be sent between addresses.
• Interoperability: Tokens can interact with dApps and other contracts.

Functions Every ERC-20 Contract Must Include

1. balanceOf: Checks token balances.
2. transfer: Moves tokens between addresses.
3. approve: Authorizes third-party spending.

Smart Contracts and Ethereum

Smart contracts automate ERC-20 token transactions by executing predefined conditions (e.g., "If X, then Y"). Once deployed, these tokens can be:

• Traded on exchanges.
• Used in decentralized finance (DeFi).

How to Send and Receive ERC-20 Tokens

Sending Tokens

1. Initiate a transfer via a wallet (e.g., MetaMask).
2. Pay gas fees in Ether (ETH).

Receiving Tokens

Share your Ethereum wallet address—no additional setup required.

Pro Tip: Always verify contract addresses to avoid scams.

Benefits of ERC-20 Tokens

1. Efficiency: Fast, low-cost transactions.
2. Liquidity: Widely accepted across platforms.
3. Flexibility: Supports diverse use cases (e.g., governance tokens, stablecoins).

👉 Explore Ethereum’s ecosystem

FAQ

Q: Can ERC-20 tokens be mined?
A: No—they’re created via smart contracts.

Q: What’s the difference between ERC-20 and Ether?
A: Ether (ETH) is Ethereum’s native currency, while ERC-20 tokens are assets built atop its blockchain.

Q: Are ERC-20 tokens secure?
A: Yes, but always audit smart contracts before interacting.

Daily Crypto Market Update

Top Performers (24h)

1. Kusama (KSM): +35.49%
2. Aragon (ANT): +18.33%

Market Trends

• Bitcoin dominance: 60.34% (+0.3%)
• Total market cap: $335.82B (-$33.15B)

Key News:

• FTX acquired Blockfolio for $150M to expand retail services.
• IRS issued new crypto tax warnings.

Avoiding Crypto Scams

Common Scams

1. Pump-and-Dump Schemes: Fraudulent token price manipulation.
2. Fake Apps: Malware-infected wallets on app stores.

Safety Tips

• Use hardware wallets (e.g., Trezor).
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

👉 Secure your assets today

Final Thoughts

ERC-20 tokens revolutionize digital ownership, but always prioritize security. Stay updated with market trends to make informed decisions.

Keywords: ERC-20, Ethereum, DeFi, Crypto Security, Market Trends

### **Key Improvements**:  
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