There has been a prolific rise in demand for NFTs over the past few years. At this point in time, if you are looking forward to channelizing any crypto collectible Dapp, ERC-721 would certainly be the right choice. Non-fungible tokens have taken the world of cryptocurrency by storm, thereby propelling crypto enthusiasts as well as blockchain developers to explore this new lucrative opportunity. Non-fungible tokens are created using the Ethereum ERC 721, unlike the cryptocurrencies meaning that these tokens cannot be split into fractions to be used as a medium of exchange.
However, the non-fungible tokens happen to be an extremely powerful source of profitability and, at the same time, can serve as valuable means of trading as well as investment. Thus, it becomes extremely important to have a good grasp of the basics of the creation of ERC 721 NFT. This, in turn, will play a significant role in better understanding the mechanics of the entire process, clasp the need for a workable ERC 721 token, and review the opportunity of creating a token for the purpose of monetizing a blockchain project.
Table of Contents
A Brief on NFTs
NFTs can be referred to as assets of crypto that are distinct and cannot be divided. They do not follow the attribute of interchangeability so that they can be sold in an open market. NFTs consist of identifying information that is stored in smart contracts. The identifying information happens to be unique and helps differentiate among the tokens, thereby making each of them irreplaceable. NFTs have the following characteristics.
Uniqueness
Uniqueness is the major attribute of NFTs based on the identity information stored in the smart contracts that are associated with each of the tokens, thereby ensuring authenticity.
Indivisibility
Indivisibility means that the tokens cannot be divided further into small units.
Rarity
These tokens are scarce assets, and hence they are rare in nature. Although the developers or creators are permitted to create as many tokens as they want, their quantity is very often limited to enhance rarity.
Non-fungible tokens are supported by two particular token standards.
ERC 721
It was the first developed token standard in order to support the non-fungible digital assets. ERC 721 NFT is also referred to as the Solidity Smart Contract standard that is inheritable. Hence, the developers can take help from the Open Zeppelin library for the purpose of creating new compliant contracts.
ERC 1155
 It is another standard for non-fungible tokens that provides semi-fungibility to them. ERC 1155 also provides a superset to the ERC 721, thereby helping in ERC 721 asset building by using the ERC 1155 standard.
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Understanding ERC 721 NFT Standard
ERC is the abbreviated form of Ethereum Request for Comment, and 721 refers to the numeric proposal identifier in ERC 721. It is basically the application-level guideline in the Ethereum network and is used for defining the specifications of smart contracts for the tokens such as ERC 20. The author of an ERC is vested with the responsibility to establish consensus within the Ethereum community. After the finalization of the proposal from the community, it becomes a standard. The major focus of ERC 721 NFT was to facilitate the tracking and transfer of non-fiduciary tokens within smart contracts.
It is an open standard that plays a major role in defining the process of creation of NFTs on Ethereum Virtual Machine or EVM compliant blockchains. ERC 721 also plays the role of a standard interface for the NFTs and comes with a set of rules and regulations that make working with NFTs much easier. The ERC 721 token defines a wide array of functions that are compliant with ERC 20. It helps simplify the process of existing wallets in displaying the basic information of the token. In addition to this, ERC 721 comes with the following features.
- Very good compliance
- Unique identity
- Management of different products
- Specialized admin tools
- Security systems are superb
- Permissions are roles-based
- Newsletters and subscriptions for instantaneous upgradation
- Transfers are very easy and convenient
- It comes embedded with a Web 3 checkout button along with MetaMask wallet support
- ERC 721 token wallet apps for different versions of Android, iOS, and web
READ ALSO: ERC20 Contract: A Complete Guide on ERC 20
Steps to Create and Deploy ERC 721 Token
Now, we have a fair idea of what ERC 721 NFT is. So, let us move to the next step in understanding the process of creating and deploying the token to make them liveable on the blockchain.
Acquire Test Ethereum or ETH
The first step toward creating the token is getting an ETH test network. The test network allows testing for blockchain development before deploying the same on the main ETH network. Ropsten Ethereum happens to be one of the very popular ETH test networks. The test network is needed since the ERC 721 token is created on Ethereum. It can be easily done with the help of the MetaMask wallet, where the test ETH can be received for paying the Gas fees. All that needs to be done is to copy the address of the wallet to the next particular field and then press the option to receive the test ETH.
Uploading or Adding Files to the IPFS
The next step is uploading or adding the files to the IPFS. The IPFS repository is the essence of the principles of decentralization in the blockchain. It is used to define the Peer-to-Peer File Storing and Sharing system where blockchain users can store their files. Here are the steps to start using IPFS.
- First, you need to download IPFS to the device.
- Then finish the process of installation.
- Next, it is required to create an IPFS repo on the device.
- The next step is launching the IPFS daemon and adding the image that you are planning to tokenize into the terminal window of the IPFS.
- Then you require to copy the hash that the database will generate for the NFT.
- Finally, add a JSON file to the database, which can be done by saving it in the same place as the image’s location.
Creation of Token
Now comes the step of the creation of a token. Most developers create ERC 721 NFT with the help of Solidity, the native programming language of Ethereum. Then the required coding needs to be done in order to create the desired token. Here it is important to check the lines of code that are being used for the following components.
- Start with checking the SPDX license type being used in order to avoid copyright issues.
- Solidity version that is being used.
- Understand the processes used for the purpose of importing ERC 721 contracts.
- Be familiar with the new NFT generation code and token metadata.
- Check the data about the name of the token, its creator, and the symbol.
- Do not forget to check the address of the receiver of NFTs along with the URI information.
- Check a command for the minting of the token.
- Creation of URI for a particular NFT and its storage corresponding to the JSON file.
Specification of all the details mentioned above in the ERC 721 code completes the process, and the newly minted token will be received at the provided address.
Major Uses of ERC 721 NFT
ERC 721 NFT finds a wide array of applications in different business verticals such as finance, healthcare, media, retail, tourism, e-learning, entertainment, and many more. As a result of the unique nature of the non-fungible tokens, and they function as non-interchangeable assets, they find numerous applications. A brief on the uses of the token in the major industries are given below.
Collectibles
NFTs are readily used in the collectibles industry. In this sphere, the coders create unique pictures of visual art, animals, collections of cards, and a number of others to trade them on the NFT marketplaces.
Gaming
Gaming is another major industry where ERC 721 is used. Several games now come equipped with ERC 721 gaming items, like accessories, armor, and a number of other unique assets, which the players are awarded after winning particular challenges. The non-fungible tokens offer different ways that are much safer for users to trade, exchange, and store assets.
Virtual Reality or VR Real Estate
The non-fungible tokens can also take the form of virtual simulations. The coders can create completely simulated universes and worlds or imitate actual buildings as well as architectural systems in the form of ERC 721 tokens. Such assets happen to be extremely attractive as investments since they are being actively traded among both gaming and non-gaming enthusiasts.
Benefits of Development of ERC 721 NFT
Some of the major benefits offered by the ERC 721 NFT are listed below.
Free from Piracy
The ERC 721 token happens to be free from piracy because of its undeniable security and superiorly effective management.
Licences are Limited
The total number of licences imparted to the tokens is limited and hence scarce.
Licences are Transferable
The ERC 721 tokens are not transferable since they are non-fungible in nature, but the licences of the tokens are exchangeable or transferable.
Free from Surveillance
These tokens are completely free from surveillance since the overall ownership-related matters are taken care of by the web3 platform.
Conclusion
The major intent behind the creation of ERC 721 tokens is the chance of generation of a token that too, a unique token with solitary functions. Hence, the uniqueness of the ERC 721 NFT proves to be quite advantageous. Thus, the desire of people to get the token remains inversely proportional to the number of available tokens. After reading through the post, you are all set to create ERC 721 token!
