Create an ERC-20 Token

Create an ERC-20 Token

Overview

This tutorial will guide you through creating, deploying, and managing your own ERC-20 token on OPN Chain. We'll build a feature-rich token with minting, burning, pausable functionality, and more.

What you'll learn:

  • ERC-20 token standard

  • Using OpenZeppelin contracts

  • Adding advanced features

  • Creating a token sale contract

  • Building a token dashboard

Time required: 45 minutes

Prerequisites

Understanding ERC-20

What is ERC-20?

ERC-20 is the standard interface for fungible tokens on Ethereum-compatible blockchains. It defines:

  • Balance tracking: Who owns how many tokens

  • Transfers: Moving tokens between addresses

  • Approvals: Allowing others to spend your tokens

  • Events: Notifying when transfers occur

Core Functions

Step 1: Project Setup

Create New Project

Install Dependencies

Initialize Hardhat

Select "Create a JavaScript project" and accept defaults.

Configure Hardhat

Update hardhat.config.js:

Environment Setup

Create .env:

Step 2: Basic ERC-20 Token

Simple Implementation

Create contracts/BasicToken.sol:

This basic token:

  • Uses OpenZeppelin's tested implementation

  • Mints initial supply to deployer

  • Has 18 decimal places by default

Deploy Basic Token

Create scripts/deploy-basic.js:

Deploy:

Step 3: Advanced Token Features

Create contracts/AdvancedToken.sol:

Key Features Explained

  1. Minting: Only owner can create new tokens up to max supply

  2. Burning: Anyone can destroy their own tokens

  3. Pausable: Owner can pause all transfers in emergencies

  4. Transaction Fees: 0.25% fee on transfers (configurable exclusions)

  5. Supply Cap: Maximum 100 million tokens

Step 4: Token Sale Contract

Create Crowdsale

Create contracts/TokenSale.sol:

Step 5: Testing

Comprehensive Test Suite

Create test/AdvancedToken.test.js:

Run Tests

Step 6: Deployment Script

Complete Deployment

Create scripts/deploy-all.js:

Deploy everything:

Step 7: Token Dashboard

Create Web Interface

Create dashboard.html:

Step 8: Production Considerations

Security Checklist

Before deploying to mainnet:

  • [ ] Audit smart contracts

  • [ ] Test all functions thoroughly

  • [ ] Implement multi-sig for owner

  • [ ] Add time locks for critical functions

  • [ ] Consider upgradeable proxy pattern

  • [ ] Test emergency pause scenarios

  • [ ] Verify all math operations

  • [ ] Check for reentrancy vulnerabilities

Gas Optimizations

Monitoring Setup

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully:

  • ✅ Created a feature-rich ERC-20 token

  • ✅ Implemented advanced features (minting, burning, pausing)

  • ✅ Built a token sale contract

  • ✅ Created a management dashboard

  • ✅ Learned security best practices

  • ✅ Deployed to OPN testnet

Resources

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