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Introduction
Zero (ZER) is a privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain based on the Zcash codebase and ultimately derived from Bitcoin. The network uses Proof of Work consensus with the Equihash 192,7 algorithm and supports both transparent and shielded transactions using zk-SNARK cryptography.
ZER is the native currency of Zero and is used for peer-to-peer payments, transaction fees, mining, and network services. Zero has a maximum supply of 17 million ZER, targets 120-second blocks, and was launched without an ICO or premine.
Project Background
Zero is an open-source Proof of Work blockchain derived from the Zcash codebase, which itself was developed from Bitcoin. The network is designed around private digital payments and provides both transparent and shielded transaction types.
Zero uses the Equihash 192,7 Proof of Work algorithm, also referred to by the project as Equihash Zero. The algorithm uses substantial memory requirements and was introduced by Zero as an alternative Equihash parameter set. The project describes the algorithm as ASIC resistant and designed to support mining through GPU hardware.
The Zero blockchain supports transparent T-addresses and shielded Z-addresses. Transactions between transparent addresses expose the sender, recipient, and amount on the public blockchain, while shielded transactions use zero-knowledge proofs to keep transaction details private. Funds can be transferred between transparent and shielded addresses.
Zero implements zk-SNARK technology derived from the Zerocash protocol. The system allows the network to validate shielded transactions without publicly revealing the transaction participants or amount. Users can also use view keys and payment disclosure mechanisms to provide transaction information to selected parties.
The network also supports Zero Nodes, which provide additional infrastructure for the blockchain. The Zero ecosystem includes a full-node client, desktop wallet software, mining infrastructure, blockchain explorers, and supporting wallet services.
Zero is developed as open-source software through public repositories. The current Zero repository includes the node software, build infrastructure, RPC functionality, Zero Node interfaces, wallet components, and ongoing maintenance work.
History
Zero launched on February 19, 2017 as a privacy-focused cryptocurrency based on Zcash and the Bitcoin codebase. The project was launched without an ICO or premine and established ZER as a native Proof of Work asset.
The original Zero implementation was based closely on the Zcash codebase and adopted zk-SNARK-based shielded transactions. The project subsequently developed its own Equihash 192,7 mining configuration and introduced additional network infrastructure including Zero Nodes.
Zero later incorporated Sapling-related functionality and wallet improvements derived from the broader Zcash development ecosystem. Subsequent releases added transaction-management features, additional RPC functionality, Sapling witness improvements, wallet maintenance, and Zero Node support.
Zero released version 3.1.0 in March 2020 with wallet-management improvements, Sapling note-witness changes, automatic note consolidation, and transaction deletion functionality. Version 3.1.1 followed with additional Sapling RPC functionality and Zindex integration.
Version 3.2.0 introduced an archived transaction system and additional RPC methods designed to provide exchanges with more detailed transaction information. Later 3.3.x releases extended the software's deprecation period and updated platform support.
Zero released version 4.0.0 on March 21, 2026. The release integrated the zero-merge development line and included build-system updates for Linux, macOS, and Windows, Python 3 RPC tests, Zero Node wallet-interface improvements, validation and error-handling changes, and broader documentation and testing updates.
The Zero desktop wallet was also updated to version 4.0.0 in March 2026, aligning the wallet with the current 4.0.x node software and adding updated build and packaging support for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Tokenomics and Emissions
ZER has a maximum supply of 17,000,000 coins. Zero was launched without an ICO or premine, and new ZER enters circulation through Proof of Work block rewards.
Zero targets approximately 120-second blocks. The project's current website describes an emission rate of approximately 3,888 ZER per day, with emissions designed to decrease over time. The official project materials also describe a stable post-halving daily emission target of 3,888 ZER.
Historical Zero documentation describes a block reward allocation that included mining rewards, Zero Node rewards, and a development fund. Earlier documentation specifies a 73% allocation to Proof of Work miners, 20% to Zero Nodes, and 7% to the Development Fund before subsequent changes to the network's reward structure.
The project currently lists a maximum supply of 17 million ZER. CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko currently report approximately 14.65 million ZER in total and circulating supply, while CoinPaprika reports a lower current figure of approximately 13.82 million ZER. Because third-party supply figures differ, no circulating-supply figure is stated here as definitive.
ZER is the native asset of the Zero Layer 1 and is not issued through an external token contract. It is used for transaction fees, peer-to-peer payments, mining rewards, and network services.
Roadmap
Zero does not currently publish a formal dated roadmap on its official website. Current development is reflected through releases to the core node, wallet software, Zero Node functionality, build infrastructure, testing, and supporting network tools.
The latest major core release is Zero v4.0.0, released in March 2026. Development in this release focused on modernizing the build system across Linux, macOS, and Windows, updating RPC testing for Python 3, improving Zero Node wallet interfaces, strengthening validation and error handling, and consolidating development documentation.
The Zero wallet was updated alongside the core software. ZeroWallet v4.0.0 provides a desktop full-node wallet aligned with the 4.0.x node release line and includes updated build and packaging processes for multiple operating systems.
Current development also includes continued maintenance of Zero Node infrastructure, wallet interfaces, RPC functionality, transaction handling, testing, and build compatibility. The public repositories provide the primary record of ongoing development activity.
Long-term development remains centered on maintaining the Zero blockchain, privacy functionality, Proof of Work network, Zero Node infrastructure, wallet software, and open-source ecosystem.
Project Links
Website:
https://zero.directory/
Documentation:
Zero About
Explorer:
ZeroChain Explorer
Downloads:
Zero Releases
GitHub:
Zero Currency GitHub
Development
Zero Core
Zero Wallet
Zero Wallet Releases
Zero Releases
Market Data
CoinMarketCap
CoinGecko
CoinPaprika