WebAssembly: Desktop-Level Performance in Your Browser
February 5, 2025

WebAssembly Is Bringing Desktop-Class Applications to the Web
AutoCAD runs in your browser. Photoshop runs in your browser. Complex 3D games run in your browser. WebAssembly (Wasm) delivers near-native performance for web applications, eliminating the performance gap between web and desktop apps. What desktop application could you transform into a web experience?
Near-Native Performance in the Browser
WebAssembly code runs at near-native speed by taking advantage of common hardware capabilities. Performance-critical applications that previously required desktop installation can now run directly in browsers with minimal performance loss.
Performance Metrics:
WebAssembly typically runs at 80-95% of native speed, compared to JavaScript which runs at 10-50% of native speed for compute-intensive tasks.
Complex Applications Without Installation
AutoCAD Web runs entirely in the browser using WebAssembly, providing full CAD functionality without downloads or installations. Users can access professional-grade tools instantly from any device.
Real-World Applications:
Adobe Photoshop, Figma, AutoCAD, Unity games, video editors, and scientific computing tools all leverage WebAssembly for browser-based performance.
Cross-Platform by Default
Write once, run everywhere. WebAssembly applications work identically across Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices without platform-specific code or compilation.
Development Benefits:
Eliminate platform-specific bugs, reduce testing overhead, and deploy updates instantly to all users regardless of their operating system.
Reuse Existing C/C++/Rust Code
Have existing desktop applications written in C, C++, or Rust? Compile them to WebAssembly and bring decades of code to the web without complete rewrites.
Migration Strategy:
Companies are porting legacy desktop applications to the web using WebAssembly, expanding their market reach while preserving existing codebases.
The Future of Web Applications
WebAssembly is erasing the line between web and desktop applications. As browser capabilities continue to expand, more complex applications will migrate to the web, offering instant access without installation barriers.