Is it possible to use smart contracts on the platform or create decentralized applications (dApps)?
No, it is not possible to use smart contracts on the Zcash platform or create decentralized applications (dApps).
Zcash is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that uses zero-knowledge proofs to ensure that transactions remain private and secure. It does not have the same features as Ethereum, which allows users to create and execute smart contracts and build dApps. However, Zcash does have some features that are similar to Ethereum.
For example, it has a scripting language called ZSL (Zcash Scripting Language) which allows developers to create custom transactions. Additionally, Zcash has an open source development platform called Zebra which enables developers to build applications on top of the Zcash blockchain. In conclusion, while it is not possible to use smart contracts or create dApps on the Zcash platform, there are still some features that make it attractive for developers who want to build applications on top of the blockchain.