ZCash is a decentralized cryptocurrency that prioritizes privacy and security, offering users the option to keep their transaction details confidential. Launched in 2016 by Zooko Wilcox-O'Hearn, ZCash employs a cryptographic technique called zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge) to enable fully private transactions. This technology allows for the verification of transactions without revealing the sender, recipient, or transaction amount, providing a high level of anonymity compared to most other cryptocurrencies. Users can choose between "transparent" transactions, which are public and similar to Bitcoin's, or "shielded" transactions, which are private. By combining strong privacy features with the benefits of blockchain technology, ZCash aims to create a secure, transparent, and user-controlled financial system.
