3 ms·

For non-dev idiots like me, what is it and why is it special? I got the impression that it allows compiled scripts to run in the browser and is faster than Java

• alex_duf 9y ago
  It potentially allows any language (C, C++, Rust, .NET, heck in the future maybe Java, Scala or anything you want) to be run inside a webbrowser, at near native speed. Because any language would be compiled to this intermediate form (wasm) it would drastically simplify the distribution of complex applications. Because any language can be compiled to that form, you can potentially reuse your existing company's code to run it inside a webbrowser Because it's already integrated in web browsers, it means the technology deployment promise to be quick. Because it's just an intermediary form, you can use a typesafe language (Javascript isn't) and still use it at native speed rather than going through a step of conversion to javascript. It's still missing a few key things (garbage collection, interaction with the DOM) but I see that as being the new standard for pretty much anything. I can see that being used everywhere, from server side to client side, to mobile devices, why not hardware support (Is that possible?)
  • cm2187 9y ago
    And it will pretty much allow to have a full app that bypasses the Apple/google app stores and their pay tolls/random policies.
  • MistahKoala 9y ago
    So, potentially, an OS could just be the browser and it would suffice for running apps like Android, iOS etc. already do?