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Horizen (ZEN) is a versatile blockchain platform that has evolved from a privacy-focused cryptocurrency into a scalable ecosystem of customizable sidechains, enabling a wide range of decentralized applications.

Key takeaways

• Horizen began as a privacy-focused fork of Zcash but has pivoted to become a multi-chain platform supporting customizable sidechains.
• Its unique architecture separates consensus (Mainchain) from computation (Sidechains), aiming for high scalability and flexibility.
• The platform uses a hybrid Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus model called Electrum PoS (EPoS) for sidechain security.
• ZEN is the native cryptocurrency used for transaction fees, staking to secure sidechains, and governance within the Horizen ecosystem.
• The project is actively developing its Zendoo sidechain protocol and expanding its decentralized application (dApp) ecosystem.

What is Horizen? Key Specifications & Tokenomics

Horizen is a blockchain platform designed to enable scalable and customizable decentralized applications through its unique sidechain architecture, moving beyond its origins as a simple privacy coin.

Who created Horizen (ZEN)?

Horizen was founded in 2017 by Robert Viglione and Rolf Versluis. The project was initially launched as a fork of Zcash (ZEC), inheriting its strong privacy features via the zk-SNARKs protocol. The founding vision was to create a blockchain that prioritized user privacy and censorship resistance. Over time, the team, supported by the Horizen DAO and community, steered the project towards a broader mission: building a scalable platform for decentralized applications. This shift led to the development of the Zendoo sidechain protocol, transforming Horizen from a single-chain privacy coin into a multi-chain ecosystem. The core development is now driven by the decentralized Horizen community and ecosystem partners.

How does Horizen (ZEN) work?

Horizen operates on a two-layer architecture designed for scalability and specialization:

• The Mainchain (Layer 0): This is the Horizen base layer secured by a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism using the Equihash algorithm. Its primary role is not to process smart contracts but to provide security and finality for the entire network. It maintains the record of all sidechains and facilitates the transfer of assets between them and the mainchain.
• Sidechains (Layer 1): This is where computation happens. Developers can launch their own independent, customizable blockchains (sidechains) using Horizen's Zendoo protocol. Each sidechain can have its own consensus model (like Electrum PoS), virtual machine (EVM-compatible or custom), and rules. They connect to the Mainchain in a trustless way, allowing for high transaction throughput without congesting the main network.
• Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP): This protocol enables the secure movement of ZEN and other assets between the Mainchain and any sidechain, or between different sidechains.

What makes Horizen (ZEN) unique and valuable?

Horizen's value proposition centers on its flexible and scalable sidechain architecture, a significant evolution from its privacy-coin roots.

• Zendoo Sidechain Protocol: This is its core innovation. Unlike monolithic blockchains, Zendoo allows anyone to deploy a fully customizable sidechain without needing permission from the Horizen core team. This enables use cases from private payments to public DeFi, all interoperating within one ecosystem.
• Separation of Consensus and Computation: By offloading smart contract execution to sidechains, the Mainchain remains lean and secure, avoiding the scalability trilemma faced by single-chain platforms.
• Hybrid Security Model: The Mainchain is secured by battle-tested PoW mining, while sidechains can opt for faster, energy-efficient models like Electrum PoS (EPoS), where ZEN holders can stake to earn rewards and secure the sidechain networks.
• Strong Focus on Interoperability: The platform is built from the ground up to enable different blockchains (sidechains) to communicate and transfer value seamlessly, a critical feature for the future of Web3.

What is Horizen (ZEN) used for?

The ZEN token is the lifeblood of the Horizen ecosystem, with several key utilities:

• Transaction Fees: ZEN is used to pay for transactions on the Horizen Mainchain.
• Sidechain Security (Staking): Users can stake ZEN to become Secure and Super Node operators on sidechains that use the Electrum PoS (EPoS) consensus, earning staking rewards for providing computational resources and validating transactions.
• Governance: ZEN holders can participate in the decentralized decision-making process for the Horizen DAO, influencing the future development and direction of the platform.
• Cross-Chain Transfers: ZEN is the primary asset moved across the ecosystem via the CCTP, acting as the base currency for sidechain activities.
• Toolkit Payments: Developers use ZEN to access and pay for services within the Horizen developer toolkit and SDK.

How Is the Horizen (ZEN) ecosystem developing?

The Horizen ecosystem is in a growth phase, focused on expanding its sidechain infrastructure and developer adoption.

• Sidechain Deployment: The success of early sidechains is crucial. Projects are building on Horizen for areas like decentralized storage, gaming, and finance.
• EVM Compatibility: Ensuring seamless compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine is a major development focus, allowing Ethereum developers to easily port their dApps to Horizen sidechains.
• Developer Tools: The team continuously improves the Zendoo SDK and documentation to lower the barrier to entry for developers wanting to launch a sidechain.
• Strategic Partnerships: Horizen actively forms partnerships to drive adoption of its technology, collaborating with other blockchain projects and enterprises exploring sidechain solutions.
• Community Governance: The transition to a more decentralized governance model via the Horizen DAO empowers the community to fund ecosystem projects and guide development.

How to mine Horizen (ZEN)?

Horizen's Mainchain is secured by miners using the Equihash Proof-of-Work algorithm.

• Mining Hardware: While initially mineable with GPUs, efficient mining now typically requires Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) like the Bitmain Antminer Z15, which are optimized for the Equihash algorithm.
• Mining Pools: Individual miners usually join a mining pool (such as 2Miners, F2Pool, or Nanopool) to combine their hash power and receive more frequent, smaller rewards.
• Process: Miners run Horizen node software, connect their hardware to a chosen pool, and contribute to solving cryptographic puzzles to validate transactions and create new blocks, earning ZEN block rewards and transaction fees.
• Note: Mining directly secures the Mainchain. Sidechains using PoS consensus are secured by stakers, not miners.

How to keep your ZEN Coin safe?

Securing your ZEN requires careful management of your private keys.

• Hardware Wallets: The most secure option. Devices like Ledger (via the Horizen app) and Trezor allow you to store ZEN offline, protecting it from online hackers.
• Official Software Wallets: The Horizen Swing Wallet is the official desktop wallet for the ecosystem, giving you full control of your assets. For staking, the Horizen Sphere by Staketab wallet is commonly used.
• Exchange Wallets: For active traders, keeping funds on a reputable exchange like BTCC can be convenient, but it means you trust the exchange's security. For long-term holding, moving ZEN to a private wallet you control is recommended.
• Security Practices: Always back up your wallet's recovery seed phrase on paper and store it in multiple secure physical locations. Never share your private keys or seed phrase with anyone. Enable all available security features (like 2FA) on any wallet or exchange you use.

How to buy ZEN Coin?

ZEN is a cryptocurrency listed on several exchanges. For higher liquidity and a secure trading experience, using a major platform like BTCC is recommended.

1. Register a BTCC Account: Sign up using your email or mobile number and complete the KYC verification to unlock more features and benefits of the platform.
2. Deposit Funds: Deposit fiat currency (via bank transfer, card, or third-party payment) or transfer USDT from an external wallet into your BTCC account. You can follow this guide.
3. Start Trading: Go to the trading page and search for the spot trading pair ZEN/USDT or the perpetual contract ZENUSDT.
4. Place an Order: Enter the amount of ZEN you wish to purchase and submit the order. For contract trading, you can also choose to go short (sell) and adjust the leverage multiplier according to your strategy and risk tolerance.
5. Confirm Your Purchase: For spot purchases, check your personal account to see if the coins have arrived. For contract trades, check the trading page to see if your order was filled successfully.