What is Zcash?
Zcash is a digital currency with strong privacy features. Transactions are recorded on a public blockchain, but the sender, recipient, and amount of a transaction remain private. Zcash is based on peer-reviewed cryptographic research, and built by a security-specialized engineering team on an open source platform based on Bitcoin Core's battle-tested codebase. Our roadmap is designed to support a future where Zcash will be used by millions of people across the globe.
Zcash offers total payment confidentiality, while still maintaining a decentralized network using a public blockchain. Unlike Bitcoin, Zcash transactions automatically hide the sender, recipient, and value of all transactions on the blockchain. Only those with the correct view key can see the contents. Users have complete control and can opt-in to provide others with their view key at their discretion.
All Zcash transactions automatically hide the sender, recipient, and value of the transaction. The content, meaning of the payment, is still available on the blockchain for anyone to see.
Why use Zcash?
Zcash is a digital currency with several key benefits:
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Privacy: Zcash offers total payment confidentiality, while still maintaining a decentralized network using a public blockchain. Unlike Bitcoin, Zcash transactions automatically hide the sender, recipient, and value of all transactions on the blockchain. Only those with the correct view key can see the contents. Users have complete control and can opt-in to provide others with their view key at their discretion.
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Security: Zcash is based on peer-reviewed cryptographic research, and built by a security-specialized engineering team on an open source platform based on Bitcoin Core's battle-tested codebase.
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Decentralization: Zcash is powered by a decentralized network of users running the Zcash protocol.
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Scalability: The Zcash blockchain is flexible and scalable, allowing for multiple transaction types that can be added in the future.
How to get started with Zcash?
Using Zcash is easy. If you're already familiar with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, you can get started with Zcash immediately. If you're new to the space, we recommend reading our beginner's guide to Zcash first.
To get started with Zcash, you'll need a Zcash wallet. Zcash wallets come in many forms. Some are digital wallets that live on your computer or mobile device, while others are physical wallets that you can keep in your pocket or purse.
Once you have a Zcash wallet, you can begin sending and receiving Zcash payments. To find someone to transact with, we recommend using a Zcash marketplace or exchange. You can also use our Community Portal to find someone to transact with.
What is Zcash mining?
Zcash mining is the process of creating new Zcash currency. Similar to Bitcoin mining, individuals or groups compete to solve a mathematical puzzle to earn Zcash. The first group to solve the puzzle receives a reward in the form of new Zcash currency.
Zcash mining is a computationally intensive process, and requires specialized hardware. We do not recommend mining Zcash on your personal computer. Instead, we recommend joining a mining pool, where a group of miners work together to earn rewards.
What is a Zcash blockchain?
The Zcash blockchain is a public ledger of all Zcash transactions. Similar to the Bitcoin blockchain, it is a decentralized and distributed record of all transactions. The Zcash blockchain is powered by a decentralized network of users running the Zcash protocol.
What is a Zcash block?
A Zcash block is a collection of Zcash transactions. Each block contains a mathematical puzzle that needs to be solved in order to add the block to the blockchain.
What is a Zcash transaction?
A Zcash transaction is a record of a Zcash payment. Transactions are added to the Zcash blockchain and shared across the network. Each transaction must be verified by miners before it can be added to the blockchain.
What is a Zcash address?
A Zcash address is similar to a Bitcoin address. It is a string of characters that represents a destination on the Zcash network. When someone wants to send you Zcash, they will use your address to send the payment.
What is a Zcash view key?
A Zcash view key is a private key that allows you to see the contents of a Zcash address. View keys are used to generate Zcash payment information, which includes the recipient's address, the amount being sent, and a memo field. This payment information can be shared with others so they can verify the transaction without being able to see the contents of the address.
What is a Zcash spend key?
A Zcash spend key is a private key that allows you to spend the Zcash in your address. Spend keys are used to generate a Zcash transaction, which includes the recipient's address, the amount being sent, and a memo field. This transaction can be signed with your spend key to send the Zcash.
What is zero-knowledge cryptography?
Zero-knowledge cryptography is a type of cryptography that allows one party to prove to another party that they know certain information without revealing what that information is. Zero-knowledge proofs are used in the Zcash protocol to allow users to verify transactions without revealing the sender, receiver, or amount being transacted.
