Creating ERC-20 Token on Base

Aug 18, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains how to create and deploy an ERC-20 token on the Base blockchain using Solidity, Remix, OpenZeppelin, and MetaMask, covering both testnet and mainnet deployment steps.

Introduction to Base Blockchain

  • Base is a Layer 2 (L2) blockchain connected to Ethereum, offering lower transaction fees and strong security.
  • The technology behind Base is similar to Ethereum, so Ethereum smart contract skills directly apply.

Tokens and Smart Contracts

  • Tokens on Base are implemented as smart contracts, programs that run on the blockchain.
  • ERC-20 is the standard for creating fungible tokens, specifying required function signatures but not implementations.
  • Safety is critical; using trusted libraries like OpenZeppelin reduces risks of coding errors and vulnerabilities.

Essential Tools

  • Solidity: Programming language used to write smart contracts.
  • Remix: An online IDE for developing and deploying smart contracts.
  • MetaMask: A browser extension wallet for managing blockchain accounts and sending transactions.

Step-by-Step: Creating an ERC-20 Token

  • Use OpenZeppelin’s library in Solidity to inherit standard ERC-20 functionality.
  • Create a new .sol file in Remix and import the ERC-20 contract from OpenZeppelin.
  • Define your token’s name, symbol, and initial supply in the contract’s constructor.
  • Use the mint function to allocate the initial supply to the deployer’s address.

Testing and Deployment Process

  • Test deploy the contract using Remix’s local “blockchain” or in-browser environment (no real or testnet funds needed).
  • For testnet deployment, set up MetaMask with the Base Sepolia testnet by adding network details manually.
  • Acquire testnet ETH from a faucet, connect MetaMask to Remix, and deploy the contract on Base Sepolia.
  • Confirm deployment success by checking the transaction hash on a blockchain explorer.

Mainnet Deployment

  • To deploy on Base mainnet, bridge real ETH to your Base account and follow the same steps as for testnet.
  • Verification of contract on a block explorer is recommended to build user trust.

Advanced Q&A Highlights

  • Burning LP tokens involves sending liquidity tokens to an inaccessible address.
  • Gas fees are lower on Base compared to Ethereum.
  • Automatic liquidity locking can be coded, but manual methods are generally preferred.
  • Adjustable fees or anti-whale measures can be implemented in contract logic.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Layer 2 (L2) — A secondary blockchain connected to Ethereum for scalability.
  • Smart Contract — A program deployed and executed on a blockchain.
  • ERC-20 — A standard for fungible tokens on Ethereum-compatible networks.
  • OpenZeppelin — A library of secure, reusable smart contract components.
  • Remix — A web-based development environment for smart contracts.
  • MetaMask — A browser wallet for managing blockchain assets and transactions.
  • Faucet — A service providing free testnet tokens for development purposes.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Register for the Solidity bootcamp if interested (deadline in 24 hours).
  • Practice deploying an ERC-20 token on Base testnet using Remix, MetaMask, and OpenZeppelin.
  • Consider verifying your smart contract on Base block explorer after deployment.

Full transcript