An Ethereum Request for Comment (ERC) is a technical document that establishes rules and standards for building applications and smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. ERCs are collections of guidelines for data formatting and transmission that dictate what actions will be taken when specific events occur. These standards ensure compatibility and interoperability between different tokens and applications within the Ethereum ecosystem.
How ERCs Relate to Ethereum Improvement Proposals
ERCs originate as Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) that undergo community review through a formal governance process. The Ethereum community uses a process called the 'Ethereum Improvement Proposal' to review these documents. When an EIP focuses on application-level standards—such as token specifications—it becomes classified as an ERC once accepted by the community.
The difference between EIPs and ERCs lies in their scope: while EIPs can address core protocol changes affecting the entire network, ERCs specifically target application layer standards that determine how apps running on Ethereum interact with each other.
Most Common ERC Standards
ERC-20: Fungible Token Standard
ERC-20 is the most widely adopted token standard on the Ethereum blockchain, establishing rules for creating fungible tokens where each unit is identical and interchangeable.
ERC-721: Non-Fungible Token Standard
ERC-721 enables the creation of unique, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) where each token has distinct properties and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. This standard powers digital collectibles, gaming assets, and unique digital artwork.
ERC-1155: Multi-Token Standard
ERC-1155 is a newer token standard that was introduced in 2018, allowing developers to create both fungible and non-fungible tokens within a single smart contract. This flexibility makes it particularly useful for gaming applications and reduces gas costs through batch transfers.
Why ERC Standards Matter for Development
ERC standards provide crucial benefits for the blockchain ecosystem. They establish interoperability between different applications, reduce development complexity, and ensure that new tokens work seamlessly with existing wallets and exchanges.
Without these standards, each token would require custom integration work, making it difficult for developers to build interconnected applications and limiting user adoption across the decentralized web.