So what exactly is NFT stand for? It is essentially a particular form of token produced using cryptographic hashing techniques and uses blockchain technology to connect with a unique digital asset that cannot be duplicated. Non-fungible tokens are distinct from popular cryptocurrencies like Monero or Ether in that they cannot be fungible. NFTs can’t be swapped for another NFT because of their unique characteristics.

The unique and special data that distinguishes NFTs from other tokens are stored in smart contracts within NFTs. This property of NFTs is called indivisibility. Non-fungible tokens cannot be exchanged in smaller amounts like Bitcoins. As a result, you cannot transfer a portion of an NFT to another party.

Since non-fungible tokens are unique in the blockchain, they play a distinct function. Furthermore, NFTs have a higher relevance when it comes to blockchain’s drastic move to the next phase of digital transformation. NFTs may play a revolutionary role as companies begin to embrace blockchain technology and integrate it into their operations.

Token Standards

Now is a good time to look into non-fungible token uses. NFTs may be used for various reasons, which is fascinating to note. Tokens on the blockchain may be created from both digital and real-world entities. Before digging into NFT use cases, it is essential to grasp one of the most crucial features of their operations. Developers must adhere to specified blockchain token criteria to build a successful token application. For example, Ethereum provides a wide range of ERC standards for developers. To understand how NFTs function, let’s look at the various blockchain token specifications.

ERC-20

Ethereum-based cryptocurrency tokens use the ERC-20 token standard. In order to ensure interoperability and compatibility with exchanges and wallets in the Ethereum ecosystem, the ERC-20 standard is a set of rules and regulations that specific objects must adhere to. At the end of October 2020, there were more than 300,000 tokens on the Ethereum network based on the ERC-20 token standard.

ERC-721

It is a separate asset that cannot be interchanged, unlike the ERC-20 token standard. Asset tokenization or certificates, which cannot be divided, may be represented here. Using the ERC-721 standard, each coin has its own unique set of smart contracts.

All pertinent information about who owns what is stored in the customized smart contracts: token-creation rules in ERC-721 are more transparent and secure, even though there is no set formula for issuing tokens. Non-fungible ERC-721 tokens are, in a nutshell, tokens that can’t be exchanged.

ERC-1155

The ERC-1155 token standard is another key for laying the groundwork for NFT applications. For setting up new assets that may be transferred between wallets, ERC-721 is unquestionably the best option. ERC-721 tokens, on the other hand, are often insufficient and slow.

A collection of ERC-721 tokens may not be enough if a person exchanges various artifacts, like weapons and skins, for a single character in a game. The ERC-1155 standard comes in handy in these types of situations. As the “next-generation multi-token standard,” ERC-1155 has revolutionary potential for developing NFTs. ERC-1155 is unique because it allows for both fungible and non-fungible token applications to be implemented.