ERC777: The new Ethereum token standard

The ERC-20 standard offers many things for tokens who are using Ethereum as their blockchain network on which to operate, but there is now a shiny new and improved standard – the ERC777 – which is showing off new features and capabilities.

ERC-20, the first token standard, might be taking a backseat soon to the new improved ERC777 standard for tokens launched on Ethereum‘s blockchain.

The standard ERC stands for the Ethereum Request for Comments and its purpose is to outline a particular set of regulations for tokens which are created to be implemented on the Ethereum’s network. Many tokens (such as EOS and TRON which have just launched their own individual mainnets) have and are using Ethereum’s blockchain in order to gain credibility as a project during initial coin offerings (ICOs) as ERC-20 tokens.

It is a helpful initial maneuver, but the ERC-20 standard does pose several problems, such as the fact that some contracts might not support ERC-20 tokens and, if used, essentially become locked forever. With the new ERC777 standard, it alleviates some of the problems the previous protocol gave while remaining entirely compatible with the old standard.

Notably, there are three new benefits which are offered by the new standard but not by the old one.

These are:

• Reduced friction on Ethereum’s blockchain when it comes to transacting. This is because it is now possible to do advanced transactions, such as exchanging tokens using a decentralized exchange contract, in one transaction as opposed to two, which makes transferring tokens cheaper and faster.
• The enabling of sending transaction data. This function was not possible using the ERC-20 standard and now makes it possible to allow functions of smart contracts which means that are tokens with new capacities which can be customized can be created.
• The possibility of accidental loss of cryptocurrencies is reduced. This feature is possible because an address that is compatible with the ERC777 (and ERC 820) standard has the option to reject certain token transactions, such as those coming from an address which might be blacklisted, which allows for more security on the blockchain.