WebAssembly (Wasm)
WebAssembly (Wasm) is an open standard that defines a binary instruction format for executable programs that can run in web browsers and other environments. It provides near-native performance for web applications while maintaining security and portability. Key characteristics include:
- Binary format - Compact binary representation that loads and executes quickly
- Language agnostic - Can compile code from multiple languages (C/C++, Rust, Go, etc.) to run in browsers
- Sandboxed execution - Runs in a secure, isolated environment with limited system access
- Near-native performance - Executes at speeds close to native applications
- Progressive enhancement - Can work alongside JavaScript or run independently
- Cross-platform compatibility - Runs consistently across different operating systems and browsers
WebAssembly enables use cases like high-performance gaming, scientific simulations, image/video processing, and porting existing desktop applications to the web. It operates as a compilation target for languages other than JavaScript, allowing developers to leverage existing codebases and performance-intensive libraries in web environments.
Advantages
- Performance: Achieves near-native execution speeds through optimized binary format
- Security: Sandboxed execution prevents malicious system access
- Interoperability: Works seamlessly with existing web technologies
- Portability: Runs consistently across different platforms and architectures
- Language diversity: Supports compilation from multiple source languages
Use Cases
- High-performance web applications
- Gaming and multimedia applications
- Scientific computing and simulations
- Porting existing applications to web
- Cryptocurrency mining and blockchain applications
- Image and video processing tools
- CAD and 3D modeling applications