To read in-depth about scheduled transaction implementation, reference the architecture page.

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Background

Developers want the ability to periodically execute functions in their smart contracts (think, to update parameters or continue the regular operation of a protocol). Today, this functionality has to be out-sourced to off-chain keeper bots operated either by:
  1. The developers themselves
  2. Third-party services like Gelato and Chainlink Automation
  3. Keen MEV searchers incentivized by protocol subsidies
Regardless of the operator, this forces protocols to rely on off-chain entities for secure operation of their on-chain applications, frequently without any SLA’s or execution guarantees.

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Native scheduling

Ritual is one of the first EVM blockchains to enshrine native scheduling. Developers can schedule and pay for recurring smart contract function invocation on-chain. Instead of relying on centralized third-party keepers, scheduled transactions allow developers to benefit from the robust properties and architecture of Ritual Chain, with block proposers including scheduled transactions at the top of their blocks natively. Plus, developers can go as far as exposing custom view functions that dictate, in real-time, whether or not their contract should be invoked, enabling truly autonomous use cases.

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Key benefits

Top-of-Block Priority

Guaranteed priority execution at the start of each block for critical operations like oracle updates and rebalancing mechanisms.

Keeper-Free Automation

Execute recurring smart contract functions automatically without relying on external keeper networks or centralized services.

Predictable Execution

Set precise execution frequencies and intervals for smart contract functions with reliable timing guarantees.

Optimized cost

Pay the optimal fee for each scheduled transaction execution, even during periods of high demand, via Resonance.

Conditional Logic

Support for optional conditional execution functions enables dynamic, state-dependent automated transactions.

Dedicated Fee Markets

Dedicated fee markets for scheduled transactions ensure reliable execution pricing independent of standard transaction fees.

Smart Contract Native

Direct integration with smart contracts through a simple interface, making automation accessible to any contract.

Build Autonomous Applications

Build truly autonomous applications that observe, update, and take actions by themselves, like smart agents.

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Getting started

To learn more about scheduled transactions and how you can get started using them in your smart contract applications, reference:

Architecture: Scheduled Transactions

Peek under the hood at how scheduled transactions are implemented.

Tutorials: Scheduled Transactions

Go hands-on with a practical demo of using scheduled transactions to automate smart contract functions.