Token Standards
Conjuntos de regras que definem como tokens funcionam em uma rede, como o ERC-20 e o ERC-721, garantindo que diferentes aplicações consigam operá-los.
Key points
- Token standards are sets of rules that define how a token must behave within a blockchain network.
- By following a standard, a token becomes able to work predictably with wallets, exchanges, and applications, without case-by-case adaptations.
- Each network has its own standards, such as ERC-20 and ERC-721 on Ethereum or SPL on Solana, for different types of tokens.
What are token standards?
Token standards are specifications that establish a common set of rules for the tokens on a network. They define which operations a token must offer and how it should respond to them, so that any application knows in advance how to interact with it. Without standards, every token would be a unique case, and tools would need to be adapted for each one.
How it works
A standard describes the expected behavior of a token: how to transfer balances, how to check quantities, how to authorize third parties to move funds on behalf of the owner, among other functions. When a token's creator follows this standard, it ensures the token will communicate with the rest of the ecosystem without surprises. It is like agreeing on a common format so that everything fits together.
Standards vary according to the type of token. There are standards for fungible tokens, in which each unit is identical and interchangeable, used by stablecoins and project currencies. There are standards for non-fungible tokens, in which each unit is unique, used for collectibles and representations of singular objects. There are also standards that combine both behaviors in a single contract.
Each network maintains its own standards. On Ethereum, the best known are ERC-20, for fungible tokens, and ERC-721, for non-fungible ones. Other networks have equivalents, such as SPL on Solana. Although the names change, the idea is the same: to offer a common foundation that ensures compatibility and reduces errors in the creation and use of tokens.
Following a standard concerns the technical behavior of the token, not the quality or value of the project that issued it.
Why it matters
Understanding token standards helps explain why such different tokens can be displayed by the same wallet or traded on the same exchange. For anyone operating or integrating assets, knowing which standard a token belongs to indicates which tools it is compatible with. This is a technical concept and does not represent any trading recommendation.
Limitations
Adhering to a standard guarantees compatibility, but it does not attest to safety or value: a token that follows the standard can still have poorly written code or fraudulent intent. Standards are also specific to each network, which limits direct circulation between different blockchains. For this reason, the standard is a technical starting point, not a stamp of trust.