There always lies cryptic aura around the mathematically advanced terminology describing ᙇcash's inner workings so we are making it easy to grasp here...
The cryptocurrency ᙇcash is a so called software fork created by modifying the original Bitcoin Core codebase [like an update] before upgrading to better performing tools like Zebra implemented in the modern programming language Rust.
It carries the same tokenomics (e.g. 21.000.000 ᙇ total supply) whilst featuring additional memory safety combined with an energy optimised algorithm [called Equihash] to process the transactions.
In essence it enables the use of an optional zero-knowledge encrypted shielded pool on top of the publicly visible transparent pool granting every user access to natively one-tap encrypt [🛡️] their ᙇ balance inside their wallet*.
With that simple gesture the entire transaction history and upcoming payments are getting hidden from public eyes by using zk-SNARKs for access control.
* [e.g. the official ZODL product created by the architects of the ᙇcash protocol]
A shielded balance can be envisioned like https:// protecting data in contrast to http:// during your browsing experience since the encryption basically obscures any observable identity link created during the initial KYC verified coin purchase on your exchange by hiding any ongoing activity on the public blockchain hence protecting the user against tracking of sensitive financial information.