# Understanding NFTs from EIP Standards Content type: Research Paper Summary: This preprint provides a comprehensive technical overview of the evolution of NFTs by examining the progression of Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs). The authors categorize NFT standards based on their core functionality—transferability, multi-asset support, fractionalization, and rental capabilities. By analyzing the source code and design principles of key EIPs, the paper clarifies how the Ethereum ecosystem has built a modular stack for non-fungible digital assets. The analysis helps deve Key concepts: Mingsheng Qi, Zhuo Zhang, Lei Wu, Zhiqiang Lin, eip, standards, ethereum, development, architecture, modular stack
Preprintintermediate

Understanding NFTs from EIP Standards

Mingsheng Qi, Zhuo Zhang, Lei Wu, Zhiqiang Lin

arXiv preprintJanuary 2025

Abstract

This preprint provides a comprehensive technical overview of the evolution of NFTs by examining the progression of Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs). The authors categorize NFT standards based on their core functionality—transferability, multi-asset support, fractionalization, and rental capabilities. By analyzing the source code and design principles of key EIPs, the paper clarifies how the Ethereum ecosystem has built a modular stack for non-fungible digital assets. The analysis helps developers navigate the complex landscape of available standards, identifying the appropriate technical implementations for specific use cases such as gaming, identity, or financial instruments. This paper serves as an essential reference for understanding the structural design of the NFT ecosystem and the rationale behind the technical decisions that have driven the recent expansion of blockchain utility beyond simple ownership.

Key Findings

  • 1EIP standards form a modular, layered stack that enables complex NFT functionality.
  • 2Standardization is the primary driver of interoperability between disparate blockchain applications.
  • 3The shift from monolithic to modular standards reflects the growing complexity of NFT use cases.
  • 4Developer adoption of EIPs significantly reduces the risk of security vulnerabilities compared to proprietary token designs.

Topics

eipstandardsethereumdevelopmentarchitecturemodular stack
Download / View

Citation

Mingsheng Qi, Zhuo Zhang, Lei Wu, Zhiqiang Lin (2025). Understanding NFTs from EIP Standards. arXiv preprint. https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.07190

BibTeX

@misc{understandingnfts2025,
  title = {Understanding NFTs from EIP Standards},
  author = {Mingsheng Qi and Zhuo Zhang and Lei Wu and Zhiqiang Lin},
  year = {2025},
  howpublished = {\url{https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.07190}},
}

Knowledge Explorer

Explore Related Concepts

See how Understanding NFTs from EIP Standards connects to glossary terms, books, and other research in the Knowledge Graph.

Explore Connections

Related Glossary Terms

Modifier