Exploring Token Standards on Tezos: A Beginner's Guide to FA 1.2 and FA 2
Published: 2023-06-16 16:53:52

**Introduction to Tezos**

Tezos is a blockchain platform known for its self-amendment capabilities, allowing it to evolve and adapt over time. With its emphasis on security, formal verification, and on-chain governance, Tezos provides a robust and decentralized environment for building various applications. One key aspect of Tezos is its support for token standards, which enable the creation and management of digital assets on the network. In this beginner's guide, we will explore two prominent token standards on Tezos: FA 1.2 and FA 2.

Token Standards on Tezos: TZIP-7, TZIP-12, TZIP-16, and TZIP-21

Tezos Improvement Proposals (TZIPs) define various standards and protocols on the Tezos blockchain. Here are some of the commonly used TZIPs related to token standards:

1. TZIP-7: TZIP-7 defines a basic fungible token standard on Tezos. It provides a blueprint for creating and managing tokens that are interchangeable and have the same value. TZIP-7 includes functionalities such as token transfers, querying token balances, and approvals for spending tokens.

2. TZIP-12: TZIP-12 is an extension of TZIP-7 and introduces additional functionalities for tokens. It includes features such as batch token transfers, token metadata, and token ownership management. TZIP-12 enables developers to create more feature-rich and versatile token implementations on Tezos.

3. TZIP-16: TZIP-16 focuses on token metadata standards. It specifies a standard format for storing and accessing metadata associated with tokens on Tezos. This allows for the inclusion of information like token name, symbol, decimals, and other relevant details, making it easier to identify and interact with tokens.

4. TZIP-21: TZIP-21 outlines the FA 2 token standard, which represents a significant upgrade from the previous token standards on Tezos. FA 2 is a flexible and composable token standard that supports both fungible and non-fungible tokens within a single smart contract. It provides advanced functionalities such as multiple token types, granular token permissions, and improved composability.

**FA 1.2: The Fungible Asset 1.2 Token Standard**

FA 1.2 was the initial token standard introduced on Tezos. It provides a simple framework for creating and managing fungible tokens on the blockchain. FA 1.2 tokens are interchangeable, meaning that each token holds the same value and can be seamlessly exchanged. This token standard supports basic functionalities like token transfers between addresses, querying token balances, and approvals for token spending. FA 1.2 is suitable for projects with straightforward tokenization needs, such as loyalty programs, reward systems, or basic financial assets.

**FA 2: The Advanced Token Standard on Tezos**

FA 2 represents a significant advancement in token standards on Tezos. It introduces enhanced functionalities and features to cater to more complex tokenization requirements. FA 2 supports both fungible and non-fungible tokens, allowing for the creation of unique assets like collectibles, game items, and more. Unlike previous standards, FA 2 enables the creation and management of multiple token types within a single smart contract. This flexibility opens up new possibilities for diverse token ecosystems. Additionally, FA 2 offers granular token permissions, allowing token holders to define detailed access controls, implement conditional operations, and enable more sophisticated composability within decentralized applications (dApps) on the Tezos blockchain.

**Conclusion**

Tezos provides a range of token standards to meet diverse tokenization needs on its blockchain. From the foundational FA 1.2 standard to the advanced FA2, developers have access to a flexible and powerful toolkit for creating and managing tokens. While FA 1.2 caters to basic tokenization requirements, FA 2 offers advanced features, including support for non-fungible tokens, multiple token types, granular permissions, and improved composability. As Tezos continues to evolve, these token standards contribute to its growing ecosystem of decentralized applications and digital assets.