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What is an ERC20 crypto wallet address?

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Introduction to ERC20 wallet addresses

An ERC20 wallet address is a unique string of characters that is used to identify and interact with an Ethereum-based ERC20 token. It is a 42-character long alphanumeric address that starts with the prefix “0x”, just like the 0xmetashool handles! 😬

Address of an ERC-20 wallet
Image taken from Mark Lasia

The address is generated by a compatible wallet and it is used to receive, store and send ERC20 tokens. When you create a new wallet, you will be given an address, unique and publicly available, which you can then share with others so they can send tokens to you.

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Crypto wallets

An ERC20 wallet is a digital wallet that is used to store and manage ERC20 tokens. These wallets are typically software-based and can be used on a variety of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and desktops. Wallets provide a user-friendly interface to manage your tokens.

Some of the most popular ERC20 wallets include MyEtherWallet, MetaMask, and Coinbase. These wallets have their own unique features but are all ERC20 compatible and can be used to manage ERC20 tokens.

Ethereum wallet address

An Ethereum wallet address is made up of a series of 40 hexadecimal characters, which can be a combination of numbers (0-9) and letters (A-F). These characters are generated using a set of algorithms based on public key cryptography.

The ERC20 token is an Etheruem-based token hence compatible with the Ethereum wallet address.

Here’s an example of an ERC20 wallet address 👇🏼

“0x5aAeb6053F3E94C9b9A09f33669435E7Ef1BeAed”

The structure of an Ethereum wallet address

  • The first two characters represent the network on which the address is being used (e.g. “0x” for Ethereum).
  • The next 20 characters represent the public key hash of the address, which is generated using a one-way hashing algorithm. This is the unique identifier of the address, and is what is used to receive and send transactions.
  • The final 8 characters are a checksum, which is generated using a second one-way hashing algorithm. This is used to ensure that the address has been entered correctly, and to protect against typos and errors
The structure of an Ethereum wallet address

How to use an ERC-20 token wallet address

The ERC20 standard defines a set of functions and properties that must be implemented by any Ethereum-based token that wants to be considered an ERC20 token.

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These include the ability to transfer tokens, check the balance of an account, and approve other contracts to transfer tokens on the account’s behalf. This standardization ensures that all ERC20 tokens are compatible with the same set of wallets, exchanges, and smart contract platforms, making it easy for anyone to send and receive ERC20 tokens.

For example, let’s say you have an ERC20 token called “ABC” and you have an ERC20 compatible wallet called MyEtherWallet.

Now that you have received some “ABC” tokens to your wallet address, you can access your tokens by connecting your wallet to the Ethereum network and accessing your account balance. You can now use the tokens to make transactions with other users or smart contracts on the Ethereum network.

In conclusion, ERC20 wallets addresses play a crucial role in the Ethereum ecosystem by providing a secure and standardized way to store and manage ERC20 tokens.