This blog post is a follow-up to “Is WebAssembly the Next Big Client Technology Ready to Unseat Time-Tested JavaScript? “ published on November 3rd, 2023.
Introduction: WebAssembly (Wasm), a game-changer for web development, is coming to overcome the JavaScript drag. This binary-powered virtual machine lets you code in languages like C++, Rust, and more, then unleashes them at near-native speeds. Secure, portable, and packed with benefits, Wasm is turbocharging web apps from games to machine learning, and the future holds even more possibilities. This blog post covers the benefits of Wasm, the applicability of Wasm to different solutions followed by future trends, and a summary.
The benefits: Wasm is a binary code for compilation in various target programming languages. This enables the running of server executable code on disparate client devices. Wasm offers several advantages over other web technologies, such as JavaScript:
● Performance: Wasm code can execute at near-native speed and significantly faster than JavaScript code. This is because Wasm code is compiled into machine code, while JavaScript code is interpreted by the browser’s engine, which is slower.
● Portability: Wasm modules can be compiled from various programming languages, including C, C++, Rust, and AssemblyScript. This makes it possible to run code written in these languages on the web without having to rewrite it in JavaScript. This is a significant advantage for developers, as it allows them to use the programming language that they are most comfortable with and that is best suited for the task at hand.
● Security: Wasm modules are sandboxed, meaning they cannot access the browser’s DOM or other resources without permission. This makes Wasm modules more secure than JavaScript code, which can access the browser’s entire environment. This is important for protecting users from malicious code.
In addition to these advantages, Wasm also offers several other benefits, such as:
● Size efficiency: Wasm modules are typically much smaller than JavaScript code. This makes them faster to download and execute, which is essential for web applications.
● Ecosystem: Wasm is supported by a growing ecosystem of open-source tools and libraries. This makes it easier for developers to start with Wasm and build high-quality Wasm applications.
Applicability: Wasm is still a relatively new technology but is quickly gaining popularity among web developers. It is already being used to power a wide range of web applications, including:
● Games: Wasm is being used to develop high-performance web games, such as Dota Underlords, Godot, and Roblox.
● Media and Entertainment: Wasm is used to develop powerful image and video editing tools, such as Paintbrush, FFmpeg, and Adobe Photoshop Express Web.
● Machine Learning: Wasm is used to develop machine learning applications that can run in the browser, such as TensorFlow.js and PyTorch.js.
● Serverless Computing: Wasm develops serverless applications like Cloudflare Workers and AWS Lambda@Edge.
● Distributed Systems: Wasm is being used to develop distributed systems like WasmCloud and Agones.
In addition to these traditional web applications, Wasm is also being used to develop new and innovative types of applications, such as:
● Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications: Wasm can be used to develop AR and VR applications that run in the browser without the need to install a native application. This makes AR and VR more accessible to a broader range of users.
● Blockchain applications: Wasm can be used to develop blockchain applications that run in the browser. This makes developing and deploying decentralized applications (DApps) easier.
Future trends: Here are some additional trends in Wasm development to watch for in the future:
● More languages: More programming languages are being supported by Wasm compilers, making it even easier to develop Wasm modules. For example, there are now Wasm compilers for languages like Go, Swift, and Kotlin.
● Better tooling: Improved tooling makes developing, debugging, and deploying Wasm modules easier. For example, IDE plugins and debuggers now support Wasm development.
● New use cases: Wasm is being used in new and innovative ways, such as to develop new types of web applications, AR and VR applications, and blockchain applications.
Summary: Wasm’s impact is undeniable. Wasm is not just a JavaScript alternative; it’s a gateway to a future where speed, security, and portability reign. From blazing-fast games to AI-powered experiences, Wasm unlocks untapped potential on the web. Its ability to embrace diverse languages and use cases hints at a boundless future where developers can craft without boundaries and users enjoy unprecedented performance. As the ecosystem matures and open-source tools flourish, keep your eyes peeled for Wasm’s next grand act, which has only begun.
Ram Viswanathan, Consultant and ex-IBM Fellow, co-authored this piece with Larry Carvalho, Principal Consultant, RobustCloud.