Understanding Addresses

Learn about public and shielded addresses in ZK-RAICHAN.

Two Types of Addresses

ZK-RAICHAN uses two distinct address types for maximum privacy:

1. Public Address (Solana Native)

Format: Standard Solana base58 address

Example: 7xKXtg2CW87d97TXJSDpbD5jBkheTqA83TZRuJoaLQ8k

Characteristics:

• ✅ Visible on Solana blockchain explorer

• ✅ Same as regular Solana wallets

• ✅ Used for deposits and public transactions

• ✅ Balances are transparent

• ❌ No privacy protection

2. Shielded Address (ZK Private)

Format: Zero-Knowledge protected address

Example: 0zk_9f8e7d6c5b4a3210fedcba9876543210abcdef

Characteristics:

• ✅ NOT visible on blockchain

• ✅ Balances are hidden

• ✅ Transactions are private

• ✅ Protected by ZK proofs

• ✅ Full anonymity guaranteed

How They Work Together

┌─────────────────┐
│  Public Address │
│    (Visible)    │
└────────┬────────┘
         │
         │ SHIELD
         ▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Shielded Address│
│    (Hidden)     │
└────────┬────────┘
         │
         │ UNSHIELD
         ▼
┌─────────────────┐
│  Public Address │
│    (Visible)    │
└─────────────────┘

Privacy Flow

Step 1: Deposit to Public Address

Receive SOL or SPL tokens to your public address (visible on-chain)

Step 2: Shield Tokens

Transfer tokens from public to shielded address (becomes private)

Step 3: Private Operations

All transactions within shielded addresses are completely private

Step 4: Unshield (Optional)

Transfer back to public address when you need visibility

Address Comparison

Feature	Public Address	Shielded Address
Visibility	✅ Visible	❌ Hidden
Privacy	❌ None	✅ Complete
Transaction History	✅ Public	❌ Private
Balance	✅ Visible	❌ Hidden
ZK Proofs	❌ No	✅ Yes
Speed	Fast	Fast
Cost	Low	Slightly Higher

Use Cases

Use Public Address For:

• Receiving funds from exchanges

• Public airdrops

• Transparent transactions

• Quick transfers

Use Shielded Address For:

• Private payments

• Salary/payment privacy

• Anonymous donations

• Trading without tracking

• Mixing funds

• Cross-chain privacy

Security Notes

🔐 Shielded addresses provide complete privacy - No one can see your balance or transaction history

🔐 Zero-Knowledge proofs verify transactions without revealing details

🔐 Non-custodial - You always control your keys

Next Steps

• CLI Dashboard Overview

• Basic Commands

• Shielding Tokens

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