> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.brc20.build/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Limitations and Sharp Edges

While the system offers powerful Bitcoin-native smart contract capabilities, it
comes with important constraints and behavioral differences that developers must
understand.

## **Latency**

* Execution depends on Bitcoin block confirmation
* Transactions are not instantaneous, expect multiple-minute delays
* User-facing dApps should design for asynchronous flows and optimistic UI
  updates

## **No Synchronous Bitcoin State**

* Contracts cannot query Bitcoin state in real-time
* All operations are based on **indexed, confirmed inscriptions**
* Any assumptions of instant UTXO or balance visibility might lead to incorrect
  logic

## **Indexer Determinism Assumptions**

* Contract state is reconstructed by **deterministic replay of inscriptions**
* Indexers must process inscriptions in order and handle reorgs gracefully
* For developers, this means contracts should not assume simultaneous or
  out-of-order execution
* Conceptually similar to Ethereum replay tests, but the underlying chain is
  Bitcoin