WebAssembly is everywhere. Here’s how it works

The New Stack

by Jessica Wachtel

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

WebAssembly (Wasm) has emerged as a game-changer in web development, offering a binary instruction format that enhances performance for resource-intensive tasks like image processing and heavy computations. Unlike JavaScript, which was designed for interactive functionality, Wasm allows developers to use languages like Rust, C++, and C for optimized performance without sacrificing ease of use. Its adoption has skyrocketed since being standardized by the W3C in 2019, with over 43,000 sites now utilizing it, including major platforms like Figma and Unity. The origins of Wasm can be traced back to efforts addressing JavaScript's limitations for demanding applications. Early solutions like asm.js and Google's Native Client (NaCl) were imperfect, but collaboration between Mozilla and Google led to the creation of a universal binary format. This breakthrough was demonstrated in 2015 with Unity’s Angry Bots running across major browsers, solidifying Wasm as a viable solution for high-performance web tasks. Over time, Wasm evolved significantly. The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in 2017 laid the groundwork, but subsequent updates introduced garbage collection, enabling high-level languages like Java and Dart to run natively. The adoption of 64-bit memory addressing and multi-threading further expanded its capabilities, supporting more computationally intensive applications. Additionally, the WebAssembly System Interface (WASI) opened doors for running Wasm beyond browsers, including on servers and edge networks. The release of Wasm version 3.0 in December 2025 marked a pivotal moment, solidifying its role as a versatile tool across diverse environments. Its impact extends beyond the browser, with growing interest in serverless computing and edge applications. For developers and organizations focused on DevOps and cloud infrastructure, Wasm offers unprecedented flexibility, enabling efficient resource utilization and enhanced application performance. In summary, WebAssembly's journey from a niche solution to a widely adopted standard underscores its importance in modern web development. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with JavaScript while providing superior performance for demanding tasks makes it an essential tool for developers aiming to optimize their applications. As browser support reaches near-universal adoption, Wasm continues to redefine the capabilities of web technologies, offering boundless opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

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Originally published on The New Stack on 2/25/2026