An ERC-20 token is a type of digital token or cryptocurrency that is built on the Ethereum blockchain and follows a set of standard rules and requirements called the ERC-20 protocol. ERC-20 tokens are the most commonly used tokens on the Ethereum network and have become a popular way to raise funds through initial coin offerings (ICOs).
ERC-20 tokens are fungible, meaning that each token is interchangeable with every other token of the same type and has the same value. This makes it easy for ERC-20 tokens to be traded on cryptocurrency exchanges and used as a form of payment or reward in decentralized applications (dApps) built on the Ethereum network.
The ERC-20 protocol defines a set of six functions that every ERC-20 token must implement, including functions that allow users to transfer tokens, get the total supply of tokens, and approve spending of tokens by other users. These functions ensure that ERC-20 tokens are compatible with the Ethereum network and can be managed by any compatible wallet or exchange.
ERC-20 tokens can be created and managed by anyone who has the technical skills to do so, and there are currently thousands of ERC-20 tokens in circulation. Popular examples of ERC-20 tokens include Tether (USDT), Binance Coin (BNB), and Chainlink (LINK).