WebAssembly: How and why

WebAssembly is an innovative technology that enhances web performance by allowing high-level languages like C, C++, and Rust to be compiled into a compact, binary format executable in modern browsers, providing a significant speed boost over JavaScript alone. It acts as an intermediary compiler target that optimizes execution across diverse hardware architectures, enabling applications traditionally requiring high computational power—such as video games, 3D rendering, and video editing—to run efficiently in web environments. While WebAssembly complements JavaScript by offering better performance for specific tasks, it doesn't replace it; instead, it allows developers to leverage different programming languages for web development, thus broadening the potential for web applications. The technology has already been integrated into notable examples like Figma and AutoCAD, showcasing its ability to significantly reduce load times and bring complex applications online without rewriting entire codebases. As browsers continue to evolve, enhancements like threading, garbage collection, and improved debugging tools are anticipated to further expand WebAssembly's capabilities, making it a pivotal development in the future of web technology.