How to create an ERC20 token

Simple summary of how to deploy your own Ethereum smart contract.

Prerequisites

1. Node.js and npm installed
2. Truffle framework installed
3. MetaMask or another Ethereum wallet
4. Test ETH for gas fees

Step 1: Install Dependencies

npm install -g truffle
npm install @openzeppelin/contracts

Step 2: Initialize Truffle Project

mkdir my-token
cd my-token truffle init

Step 3: Create ERC20 Token Contract

Create contracts/MyToken.sol:

pragma solidity ^0.8.0;
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/token/ERC20/ERC20.sol";
contract MyToken is ERC20 { constructor(uint256 initialSupply) ERC20("MyToken", "MTK") { _mint(msg.sender, initialSupply); } }

Step 4: Configure Migration

Create migrations/2_deploy_token.js:

const MyToken = artifacts.require("MyToken");
module.exports = function (deployer) { deployer.deploy(MyToken, 1000000); // Initial supply: 1,000,000 tokens };

Step 5: Configure Network

Update truffle-config.js with your network settings:

module.exports = {
networks: { ropsten: { provider: () => new HDWalletProvider(mnemonic, https://ropsten.infura.io/v3/YOUR_PROJECT_ID), network_id: 3, gas: 5500000, } } };

Step 6: Compile and Deploy

<h1 id="heading-8">Compile</h1>
truffle compile
<h1 id="heading-9">Deploy to testnet</h1> truffle migrate --network ropsten

Your ERC20 token is now deployed!