WebAssembly

/web-uh-SEM-blee/ · noun · Development · Origin: 2017

Definitions

  1. A binary instruction format designed as a portable compilation target for programming languages, enabling near-native performance in web browsers. WebAssembly (Wasm) allows languages like Rust, C++, and Go to run alongside JavaScript in the browser. Beyond the web, Wasm is emerging as a universal runtime for serverless functions and edge computing.

    In plain English: A technology that lets programs written in languages like Rust and C++ run in your web browser at nearly full speed, not just JavaScript.

    Example: They compiled the entire Photoshop codebase to WebAssembly and now it runs in the browser at 90% of native speed — no install required.

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