Understanding Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs)
Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) serve as the backbone for updates and decision-making on the Ethereum blockchain. Unlike centralized tech giants such as Apple or Microsoft, Ethereum operates transparently, allowing anyone with technical expertise to propose, edit, and submit EIPs. These proposals must adhere to the guidelines outlined in EIP-1, published in 2015.
Key Aspects of EIPs:
- Open Participation: Developers can propose new features or functionalities.
- Community Engagement: Authors must gather feedback and build consensus within the Ethereum community.
- Structured Process: EIP-1 details the proposal lifecycle, including formats, types, and editorial oversight.
👉 Explore Ethereum's decentralized governance to understand how EIPs shape the ecosystem.
Ethereum Request for Comment (ERC): Definition and Purpose
ERCs fall under the Standards Track EIPs, focusing on application-level conventions like token standards (e.g., ERC-20), wallet formats, and smart contract interfaces. Initially drafted as proposals, ERCs evolve into standards upon community consensus, enforced via smart contracts.
ERC Categories:
- Standards Track: Includes Core, Networking, Interface, and ERC subcategories.
- Meta/Informational: Addresses process improvements or general guidelines.
Example:
- ERC-20: Standard for fungible tokens.
- ERC-721: Framework for non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
The ERC Proposal Process: Step-by-Step
1. Idea/Discussion Thread
- Authors vet ideas on the Fellowship of Ethereum Magicians to avoid redundancy.
2. Draft Submission
- Submit a pull request on the EIPs GitHub.
- Editors review for adherence to guidelines.
3. Review & Last Call
- Community feedback is solicited over a minimum two-week period.
- Significant revisions revert the proposal to the draft stage.
4. Final Approval
- Approved proposals are merged into the repository as finalized standards.
Why EIPs and ERCs Matter
- Governance: EIPs document decentralized decision-making.
- Innovation: ERCs enable new functionalities like NFTs (ERC-721) and multi-token systems (ERC-1155).
- Consensus: Network upgrades integrate EIPs to maintain client synchronization.
Popular ERC Standards and Use Cases
| Standard | Purpose | Notable Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ERC-20 | Fungible tokens | Wallets, DeFi platforms |
| ERC-721 | NFTs | CryptoKitties, Bored Ape Yacht Club |
| ERC-1155 | Hybrid tokens (fungible/NFT) | Gaming assets |
👉 Discover how ERC standards drive blockchain innovation.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between EIP and ERC?
- EIPs are broad proposals for Ethereum changes, while ERCs are application-level standards (a subset of EIPs).
2. Who can submit an EIP?
- Anyone with technical expertise, provided they follow EIP-1 guidelines.
3. How long does ERC approval take?
- Typically months, depending on community feedback and revisions.
4. Can a stagnant EIP be revived?
- Yes, by moving it back to the draft stage.
5. What happens if an EIP is withdrawn?
- Authors can resubmit it as a new proposal later.
6. Are all ERCs token standards?
- No, some define interfaces (e.g., ERC-777 for improved transactions).