Zcash is an implementation of the zerocash protocol which is based on Bitcoins code. The major goal of zcash developers is to provide a far higher standard of security and privacy through a sophisticated zero- knowledge proving scheme that preserves confidentiality of transaction metadata. it is similar to Bitcoin by design. I see it as a software clone of Bitcoin this is because it's original code was copied and modified to provide a more secure and privacy enhanced digital currency alternative to Bitcoin. Zcash pprotocol has two addresses namely public or transparent private or shielded addresses.