Wrapped ETH
ETH doesn't implement ERC-20 — it predates the standard. Wrapped ETH (WETH) solves this by giving ETH a token interface: deposit() locks ETH and mints an equal amount of WETH; withdraw() burns WETH and releases the ETH back. The exchange is always 1:1 and fully on-chain.
Beyond the mechanics, WETH is a useful wallet capability test. A wallet that decodes deposit() as "Wrap ETH" and withdraw(amount) as "Unwrap WETH" in its confirmation UI is giving users meaningful context. A wallet that shows a raw function selector is not.
| Method | What it does |
|---|---|
deposit() | Send ETH as value; receive equal WETH |
withdraw(uint256 wad) | Burn wad WETH; receive equal ETH |
balanceOf(address) | Read your WETH balance |