Cryptopedia - 0x Protocol
## What Is 0x (ZRX)? 0x is an infrastructure protocol that allows users to easily trade ERC20 tokens and other assets on the many different blockchains (including Ethereum) without relying on centralized intermediaries. It is a protocol for decentralized exchange. 0x achieves this decentralized exchange functionality using a collection of open-source, publicly auditable [smart contracts](https://github.com/0xProject/protocol/) that work together to produce a flexible, low-friction trading protocol that developers can easily weave into their products. The protocol is used by companies building web3 apps such as wallets, DEXes, portfolio trackes, and others. It is a used by hundreds of developers for their projects. The protocol has facilitates over $200B in trading volume since its inception. One can track its usage in its dedicated [https://explorer.0x.org/](https://). The protocol is powered by an ERC20 governance token known as ZRX. ZRX holders can participate in protocol governance, having direct power over protocol changes and its [community treasury](https://0x.org/zrx/treasury).