Yashotantra Academy logo
← Vyper theorytheory 0/50 · 0%
level 1
Curious · 0 XP
streak
0d
perfect
0
badges
0

100 XP to Apprentice

Web3 integration · medium

33. Escrow and time-locks with block.timestamp

Gating logic on block time.

1 min read3 questionsup to 50 XPtopic 33/50

Read in another language

AI translates the explanation and quiz text while preserving code and answer scoring.

`block.timestamp` (seconds since epoch, set by the block producer) is commonly used to gate release logic in escrows, vesting schedules and auctions. It has some producer-controlled slack (usually a few seconds), so avoid using it for anything requiring sub-minute precision.

release_time: public(uint256)

@deploy
def __init__(lock_seconds: uint256):
    self.release_time = block.timestamp + lock_seconds

@external
def withdraw():
    assert block.timestamp >= self.release_time, "still locked"
    send(self.owner, self.balance)

For anything where precise timing is safety-critical (e.g. auction end), prefer block-number-based windows or accept the timestamp's small manipulable margin explicitly in your threat model.

How to study this topic

  1. 1. Read the explanation once end to end, skipping the code.
  2. 2. Re-read the code snippets and say out loud what each line does.
  3. 3. Answer the quiz without scrolling back — that is the real check.
  4. 4. Read every explanation, even for the answers you got right.

Scoring

  • · Up to 30 XP from quiz accuracy.
  • · +15 XP for a perfect first attempt.
  • · +5 XP while a 3-day streak is running.
  • · 75% or higher marks the topic complete.

Check your understanding

  1. 1. What does block.timestamp represent?

  2. 2. Why should timestamp not be trusted to sub-minute precision?

  3. 3. What is block.timestamp commonly used for?

Badges

First light
Pass your first topic
Sharp shooter
3 perfect first-try quizzes
On a roll
Study 3 days in a row
Week warrior
Study 7 days in a row
Grinder
Earn 500 XP
Deep diver
Earn 1500 XP