Topics Discussed:
- Introduction to WebAssembly (WASM)
- WASM vs. Traditional Compilation
- Intermediate Representations
- Advantages of Using WASM
- WASI (WebAssembly System Interface)
- WASI API Components
- WebAssembly in Practice
- Why WebAssembly Matters
Introduction to WebAssembly (WASM)
What is WebAssembly?
– WebAssembly (WASM) is a bytecode format announced in 2017 designed to be a compilation target that allows high-performance applications to run in web browsers and other environments. It acts as a portable codebase that is architecture and language-agnostic. The fundamental organizational unit in WASM is the “module”, which operates as a sandbox to enhance security and separation from the host environment.
WASM vs. Traditional Compilation:
Before Wasm, software development involved translating code from languages like Rust, Python, or C++ into an intermediate representation (IR) tailored to specific architectures. However, the lack of a standard IR across languages and libraries posed challenges for interoperability.
Wasm resolves these issues by enabling compilers to output IR in the form of Wasm modules, which can run across various CPU architectures and environments, including browsers, containers, and edge devices. These modules encapsulate entire applications along with their dependencies, making them easily deployable on different hosts with compatible runtimes.
Intermediate Representations:
- Low-Level IR: Close to machine code and highly specific.
- Mid-Level IR: Combines elements from both high-level and low-level IR.
- High-Level IR: Closer to the original programming language, easier to understand and manipulate.
Advantages of Using WASM:
– Portability: Code written once can run anywhere without modification.
– Performance: Execution is often faster and more efficient than traditional JavaScript.
– Security: Each module runs in a sandboxed environment, minimizing potential security risks.
– Interoperability: Enables the use of multiple programming languages in the same project, streamlining development.
WASI (WebAssembly System Interface):
Introduced in 2019, WASI standardizes how WebAssembly modules interact with the operating system, allowing them to perform system-level tasks like file handling and network operations outside of the browser. WASI uses a capability-based security model to provide these features securely.
WASI preview 1 introduced basic functionalities like system clock, random number generation, file system access, and standard I/O streams. Preview 2 expanded on this with a modular set of APIs influenced by the Canonical ABI and the core Wasm specification.
WASI API Components:
- wasi-io: Handles input/output operations.
- wasi-clocks: Manages time and timers.
- wasi-random: Generates random numbers.
- wasi-filesystem: Manages file system operations.
- wasi-sockets: Provides network socket operations.
- wasi-cli: Supports command-line interface functions.
- wasi-http: Enables HTTP requests and responses.
WebAssembly in Practice:
A practical demonstration involves integrating WebAssembly with Kubernetes using the Rancher Desktop platform. Steps include setting up Rancher, creating a cluster, developing a WASM module, and deploying it to Kubernetes. This showcases WASM’s potential in cloud computing and containerized environments.
Why WebAssembly Matters:
WebAssembly streamlines application deployment across various platforms while maintaining high performance and security standards. It is especially beneficial for developers looking to extend the reach of their applications without sacrificing functionality or security.
