Zcash (ZEC) is a privacy-oriented cryptocurrency built from Bitcoin's source code, inheriting its 21 million supply cap, halving schedule, and Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus. Distinguished as the first blockchain project to implement a zero-knowledge proof (zk-SNARKs) mechanism, Zcash focuses on safeguarding transaction confidentiality. The protocol enables the encryption of sensitive details—including the sender, recipient, and amount—ensuring robust financial privacy. It also features "selective transparency," allowing users to choose between public transparent addresses and privacy-enhanced shielded addresses as needed.