WebAssembly enables near-native performance for web applications by allowing code written in languages like C, C++, and Rust to run in browsers. This technology expands the web platform's capabilities beyond JavaScript limitations.

Core Capabilities

• Near-Native Performance: Execute compute-intensive tasks at speeds approaching native applications.

• Language Flexibility: Compile code from multiple languages to run in browsers securely.

• Secure Sandbox: Execute within browser security model protecting user systems.

• Small Binary Size: Compact format enables fast loading and execution.

• JavaScript Interoperability: Seamlessly integrate with existing JavaScript codebases.

Use Cases and Applications

Gaming engines run complex 3D graphics in browsers, video and audio processing happens client-side without server overhead, scientific computing performs complex calculations efficiently, image editing tools provide professional features in web apps, and CAD software delivers desktop-class performance through browsers.

Development Workflow

Developers write code in preferred languages, compile to WebAssembly using tools like Emscripten or wasm-pack, integrate modules with JavaScript glue code, optimize for size and performance, and deploy alongside web applications for enhanced capabilities.

Future Potential

WebAssembly will expand beyond browsers to edge computing, enable portable serverless functions, support system interface proposals for broader capabilities, and drive next-generation web applications with desktop-class performance and features.