Cryptocurrency enthusiasts and newcomers alike often encounter terms like token standards, TRC20, and TRC721 without fully grasping their differences. This guide demystifies these concepts by exploring the key token standards on the TRON blockchain—TRC-10, TRC-20, and TRC-721—and their unique applications.
What Is a Token Standard?
A token standard defines the rules, conditions, and functions that govern how a cryptographic token operates. For smart contract-enabled blockchains like TRON, these standards provide guidelines for creating, issuing, and deploying tokens on the network.
As of now, over 82,000 tokens have been issued on the TRON mainnet. The breakdown:
- TRC-10: 3,600+ tokens (~4.42%)
- TRC-20: 77,000+ tokens (~93.68%)
- TRC-721: 1,500+ tokens (~1.87%)
Together, these three standards account for 99%+ of all TRON-based tokens.
TRC-10: The Native TRON Standard
Key Features:
- Direct blockchain issuance: No reliance on the TRON Virtual Machine (TVM).
- Limitations: Each account can issue only one TRC-10 token, with a fixed cost of 1,024 TRX.
- Use Case: Ideal for projects prioritizing simplicity and lower computational overhead.
TRC-20: The Smart Contract Standard
Key Features:
- TVM-compatible: Leverages TRON’s virtual machine for token deployment.
- Flexibility: Accounts can hold multiple TRC-20 tokens.
- ERC-20 Compatibility: Seamlessly interoperable with Ethereum’s ERC-20 tokens.
👉 Why TRC-20 dominates TRON’s token ecosystem
TRC-721: The NFT Standard
Key Features:
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Each token has a unique ID, making it irreplaceable.
- ERC-721 Compatibility: Fully aligns with Ethereum’s NFT standard.
- Use Case: Digital art, collectibles, and asset tokenization.
Interoperability Challenges
Tokens following the same standard interoperate seamlessly, while those with different standards face compatibility gaps. Solutions like blockchain bridges and wrapped tokens help bridge these divides.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between TRC-10 and TRC-20?
TRC-10 is a native standard without smart contracts, while TRC-20 relies on TVM for advanced functionalities like decentralized apps (DApps).
2. Can TRC-721 tokens be traded like TRC-20?
No. TRC-721 tokens are non-fungible (unique), whereas TRC-20 tokens are interchangeable (e.g., stablecoins).
3. How much does it cost to issue a TRC-20 token?
Costs vary based on network congestion, but smart contract deployment requires TRX for gas fees.
👉 Explore TRON’s token standards in action
By understanding these standards, developers and users can better navigate TRON’s ecosystem. Whether you’re issuing a token or trading NFTs, choosing the right standard ensures efficiency and compatibility.
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