WebAssembly (Wasm) is a technology that can run in modern web browsers. It converts application code into a low-level, binary format for execution. This allows applications running in the browser to perform much faster and more efficiently. WebAssembly enables applications to run at speeds close to native (on the local machine) performance, as if they were running directly on the computer.
Technical Features:
- It provides a compiler-friendly structure; languages like C, C++, and Rust can be compiled into the Wasm format.
- It can work alongside JavaScript, meaning it can be integrated into existing web projects.
- It operates in a secure, sandboxed environment; it cannot directly access system resources in the browser.
- It can also be used outside of the browser (e.g., on the server side or in embedded systems).
Use Cases:
- Real-time games
- Image/video processing applications
- Scientific computations and simulations
- Web applications requiring high computational power, such as PDF editing or audio processing
- Server-side applications (e.g., with the WASI standard)
Advantages:
- Speed: Near-native code performance
- Portability: Can run without being dependent on the browser or operating system
- Security: Cannot harm the user’s system due to its isolated environment
- Modularity: Can be integrated with existing JavaScript code