Confused what @ethereum token standards are and why they matter? Interested in knowing which tokens are for what purpose? Want to understand the big picture?
This is the thread for you!
(2/15) @ethereum is The World Computer. It's a shared resource upheld by a network of anonymous, untrusted nodes; aligned by consensus and economically secured
The Ethereum Network provides credible neutrality upon which anyone can build... both independently and collaboratively
(4/15) On The World Computer, we use APIs all over the place:
- to integrate protocols
- to transfer assets
- to build composable investments
- to borrow, lend and collateralize assets
Basically anything that happens on chain is either an API or is directly summarized by an API
(5/15) In fact, tokens you can think of the different token types as a piece of code that conforms to an API template. If a smart contract adheres to a specific template, it is that kind of token.
(6/15) This is the template for an ERC-20 token. In order to create an ERC-20, a developer has to create code to be executed for all of the following methods and events
All ERC-20s support these functions; a (different) developer can count on having these when using any ERC-20
(7/15) ERC-20 tokens are the most basic token standard, representing the vast majority of tokens available today. This includes everything from governance tokens, ve-tokens, stablecoins, etc.
($ETH is not an ERC-20 token)
(8/15) ERC-721 tokens are most commonly referred to as NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). These tokens represent unique or identifiable items (usually) within a collection. This includes PFPs, collectable art, property, etc.
(9/15) ERC-1155 tokens combine properties of both ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens, providing a single interface that manages any combination of these token types. This can be used as a more modern alternative for ERC-20 or ERC-721, and has unique properties optimized for gaming.
(10/15) ERC-4626 is the newest token standard, describing yield-bearing vaults. The standard provides a common interface for ERC-20 tokens deposited in (or redeemed from) a vault to earn yield. This can include yield farming and aggregation, but can be generalized to much more.
(11/15) ERC-777 is a very configurable but rarely used token standard. It provides updates to ERC-20, allowing devs to attach code that runs when the token is sent and/or received.
Although it is included on Ethereum.org, we rarely see ERC - 777 tokens in practice.
(12/15) Quick history lesson:
First, The Before Time. Then... Alan Turing → mechanical computing → computers → networked computers → ARPANET→ World Wide Web → Internet → @bitcoin → @ethereum
That brings us to roughly 2014, when @VitalikButerin introduced us to $ETH.
(13/15) This is the beginning of the story. @ethereum is just the infrastructure, now we must build on it. The more we set standards at the foundation, the higher we can go
Comp sci is the magic, the developers are the wizards, abstraction is the spell. Composability is the goal
(14/15) Native $ETH... ERC-20... 721... 777... 1155... 4626... with each iteration, we are becoming more sophisticated. Each token type can have more functionality, each money Lego adding even more incremental value.
Each ERC-increment brings us closer to programmable money.
grrrr typos on the first tweet... one of those you notice the second after the thread posts.
The joke was ERC - WTF, not ETC. Oh well.
Correction 2: CryptoPunks are not ERC-721 tokens; in fact they actually predate the standard. IIRC one of the reasons ERC-721 was invented after CryptoPunks exploded and devs realized we needed NFT standards.
Conceptually they fit, however.
Apologies. It was late 🫠.
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In 2014, @VitalikButerin gave us an idea that WILL change the world. Have you wrapped your head around The World Computer yet?
DON'T PANIC, I'll break it down for you. Read on for 4 threads that will show you the future.
(2/7) @ethereum is The World Computer. It is a shared resource upheld by a network of anonymous, untrusted nodes - aligned & economically secured by Consensus
The Ethereum network provides credible neutrality upon which anyone can build... both independently and collaboratively
(1/23) Coordination in The World Computer: @ethereum Consensus
The Merge is weeks away... are you caught up on Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS) and the systems that form the backbone of Ethereum?
Read up anon, time is running short. The world is about to change forever
(2/23) @ethereum is The World Computer. It's a shared resource upheld by a network of anonymous, untrusted nodes; aligned by consensus and economically secured
The Ethereum Network provides credible neutrality upon which anyone can build... both independently and collaboratively
(3/23) While @ethereum can be thought of as The World Computer, its construction is novel and unlike a typical desktop computer. It is best to think of Ethereum as consisting of 3 parts:
(1/10) The @ethereum Blockchain: Your guide to the distributed ledger technology that powers The World Computer.
What is the blockchain? What role does it play in the Ethereum protocol? What does the future hold for this core tech?
Read on for these answers, and more!
(2/10) @ethereum is The World Computer. It's a shared resource upheld by a network of anonymous, untrusted nodes; aligned by consensus and economically secured
The Ethereum Network provides credible neutrality upon which anyone can build... both independently and collaboratively
- the EVM, which provides the computing environment and executes transactions
- the Ethereum network, which is the group of the real world node operators that coordinate to run Ethereum
- the Ethereum blockchain
(1/14) @ethereum, Property Rights and Programmable Money
Why bother with The World Computer? What can Ethereum do that Trad-Fi cannot? Why are devs and degens so excited about being on-chain?
If you have questions on what's so special about $ETH, this thread is for you!
(2/14) There are two types of people: those who hear the call of The World Computer and those who don't.
@ethereum is a single resource, shared across humanity. All builders, users and degens play by the same rules, have the same opportunities and face the same risks.
(3/14) The foundation of The World Computer is the credible neutrality and the untrusted nature of the @ethereum network. This is maintained through the process of consensus.
Through this design, Ethereum can provide native property rights to the internet.
How do computer programs communicate with each other? How do developers use the concept of abstraction in practice? How can they effectively collaborate across space and time?
Read on to learn about Application Programming Interfaces.
(2/12) We've discussed the concept of abstraction and how developers use it to manage complexity and collaborate effectively.
Tl;dr abstraction works by separating interaction with functionality. Interaction can be simplified and streamlined for usability and composability.