Technology
What is WebAssembly?
WebAssembly (Wasm) is a fast, low-level binary format that runs in web browsers at near-native speed. It lets code written in languages like C++, Rust, and Go run on a web page alongside JavaScript, powering games, video editors, and CAD tools in the browser.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains webassembly.
Key things to understand
- 1A compact binary instruction format browsers execute far faster than they parse JavaScript.
- 2Languages like Rust, C, C++, and Go compile to Wasm and run on any modern browser.
- 3It runs in the same secure sandbox as JavaScript and works with it rather than replacing it.
- 4Now used outside browsers too (servers, edge, plugins) via the WebAssembly System Interface (WASI).
Frequently asked questions
- Does WebAssembly replace JavaScript?
- No. It complements JavaScript for heavy work; most apps use both, with JavaScript running the page and Wasm handling heavy computation.
- Is WebAssembly safe?
- Yes — it runs in the browser's sandbox with the same restrictions as JavaScript, so it can't freely access your files or system.
- What can you build with WebAssembly?
- Browser games, photo and video editors, 3D and CAD tools, emulators, and ports of desktop apps like Figma and AutoCAD.