> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tokenlayer.network/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Token Primitives

> Core token types and concepts on Token Layer

## Overview

Token Layer uses several token primitives that work together to create a comprehensive tokenized ecosystem. Understanding these primitives is key to leveraging the full power of the platform.

## Core Primitives

### Coins

**Coins** are the primary tradeable tokens on Token Layer.

<Card title="Coins" icon="coins">
  Standard fungible tokens that can be created, bought, sold, and traded across multiple chains.
</Card>

**Key Features:**

* **Omnichain**: Launch once, trade everywhere
* **Bonding Curve Launch**: Start on Token Layer's launchpad
* **DEX Graduation**: Automatically migrate to Uniswap, PancakeSwap, or Meteora
* **Creator Fees**: Earn from every trade
* **Referral Support**: Token and protocol referrals built-in

**Use Cases:**

* Meme coins and community tokens
* Project tokens and utility tokens
* Governance tokens
* Social tokens for creators
* Gaming and metaverse currencies

See [How to Launch Tokens](/onboarding/launch-tokens) for creation details.

***

### IP (Intellectual Property)

**IP tokens** represent ownership rights to claim trading fees from coins.

<Card title="IP Tokens" icon="file-contract">
  Non-fungible claim rights that entitle holders to a share of trading fees generated by specific coins.
</Card>

**Key Features:**

* **Fee Accrual**: Automatically accumulate trading fees
* **Claimable Rewards**: Withdraw accumulated fees anytime
* **Transferable**: Can be bought, sold, or transferred
* **Perpetual**: Continue earning as long as coin is traded
* **Proportional**: Share of fees based on IP holdings

**How IP Works:**

1. **Creation**: IP is minted when a coin is created
2. **Distribution**: Can be distributed to early supporters, investors, or kept by creator
3. **Fee Generation**: Every trade generates fees
4. **Accumulation**: Fees accumulate to IP holders
5. **Claiming**: Holders claim accumulated fees periodically

**Fee Distribution Example:**

If a coin has 10,000 IP tokens and you hold 100 (1%):

* Coin generates \$1,000 in trading fees
* Your share: \$10 (1% of total fees)
* Claim anytime via the platform or API

**Use Cases:**

* Funding token launches (sell IP to investors)
* Rewarding early supporters
* Creating passive income streams
* Incentivizing liquidity providers
* Building sustainable token economies

**API Integration:**

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Get Fee Balances" icon="wallet" href="/api-reference/fees/get-user-fee-balances">
    Check accumulated fees
  </Card>

  <Card title="Claim Fees" icon="hand-holding-dollar" href="/api-reference/fees/claim-fee-rewards">
    Withdraw fee rewards
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

### Roles

**Roles** are tokens used to curate an onchain social graph and gate access to platform utilities.

<Card title="Roles" icon="id-badge">
  Utility tokens that grant special privileges and access to exclusive features on Token Layer.
</Card>

**Key Features:**

* **Access Control**: Gate participation in exclusive activities
* **Social Curation**: Build verified networks and communities
* **Utility Unlocks**: Access special features and launches
* **Reputation Signal**: Demonstrate credibility and involvement
* **Composable**: Use across different platform features

**Role-Gated Utilities:**

**New Token Launches:**

* Early access to pre-launch tokens
* Whitelist spots for popular launches
* Reduced fees for launch participants
* Priority allocation in oversubscribed launches

**Exclusive Features:**

* Priority trading execution
* Advanced analytics and insights
* API rate limit increases
* Beta feature access

**Community Benefits:**

* Verified participant status
* Enhanced voting weight
* Exclusive group access
* Direct creator communication

**How Roles Work:**

1. **Acquisition**: Roles are distributed through various mechanisms:
   * Earned through platform activity
   * Granted by token creators
   * Purchased in specific sales
   * Awarded for achievements

2. **Usage**: Hold roles to access gated features:
   * System checks role balance
   * Minimum threshold required for access
   * Real-time verification onchain

3. **Composability**: Same role can unlock multiple features:
   * Single role, multiple utilities
   * Stackable benefits with more roles
   * Cross-platform integration potential

**Example Scenario:**

A new high-demand token is launching with 10,000 tokens available:

* **Without Roles**: Public sale, FCFS, high competition
* **With Roles**: Whitelist access, guaranteed allocation, better pricing

Holding specific roles gives you early or exclusive access to participate.

**Use Cases:**

* Whitelist access for token launches
* Gated trading opportunities
* Exclusive community features
* Verified user networks
* Reputation systems

<Tip>
  Roles create a merit-based system where active, valuable community members gain increasing access to platform benefits.
</Tip>

***

## Primitive Interactions

These primitives work together to create a comprehensive ecosystem:

### Coin + IP

* Create coin → Generate IP → Sell IP to fund development
* Coin trades → IP holders earn fees → Sustainable revenue

### Coin + Roles

* Popular coin launch → Require roles for access → Reward active users
* Role holders get better pricing or guaranteed allocation

### IP + Roles

* IP holders may receive roles automatically
* Roles may grant bonus IP allocations
* Combined to create sophisticated incentive structures

### All Three Together

* Launch coin with role-gated access
* Distribute IP to role holders as reward
* Coin trades generate fees for IP holders
* Create self-sustaining token economy

## Technical Implementation

### Onchain vs Offchain

**Onchain:**

* Coins: Fully onchain ERC-20/SPL tokens
* IP: Onchain claim rights with smart contract enforcement
* Roles: Onchain tokens with utility verification

**Smart Contract Verified:**

* All primitives use audited contracts (post-audit)
* Decentralized and trustless
* Transparent and verifiable

**API Access:**
All primitives are accessible via Token Layer API for programmatic integration.

## Token Standards

### EVM Chains

* **Coins**: ERC-20 standard
* **IP**: Custom implementation with ERC-20 compatibility
* **Roles**: ERC-721 (NFT) or ERC-20 based on use case

### Solana

* **Coins**: SPL Token standard
* **IP**: Custom program with SPL compatibility
* **Roles**: SPL Token or Metaplex NFT

## Future Primitives

Token Layer may introduce additional primitives:

* **Credentials**: Soulbound tokens for reputation
* **Achievements**: Gamified accomplishment tracking
* **Governance**: Voting power tokens
* **Staking**: Lockup mechanisms for enhanced rewards

## Developer Integration

All primitives are designed for easy integration:

```javascript theme={null}
// Example: Check if user has required role
const hasRole = await checkRoleBalance(userAddress, requiredRoleId);

// Example: Claim IP fees
const claimResult = await claimFees(coinId, ipTokenId);

// Example: Get coin details
const coin = await getCoinDetails(coinAddress);
```

See [API Reference](/api-reference) for complete integration docs.

## Economic Design

The primitive system creates sustainable token economies:

1. **Coins** provide utility and tradability
2. **IP** aligns creator incentives with token success
3. **Roles** reward participation and curation
4. Together: Self-sustaining ecosystem with proper incentives

## Need Help?

Click the chat icon in the bottom right corner for questions about token primitives.