> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.essential.builders/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.essential.builders/learn/declarative-blockchains/the-declarative-landscape.md).

# The Declarative Landscape

Many blockchains exist that fulfill one of the two "declarative blockchain" criteria, but Essential is the only blockchain that:

* ✅ Leverages constraints; and
* ✅ Achieves state updates without the need for execution

<figure><img src="https://blog.essential.builders/content/images/2024/04/image-2.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This makes Essential **the first declarative blockchain**.