# Making WebAssembly a First-Class Language on the Web
WebAssembly (Wasm) has come a long way since its initial release in 2017. Originally designed to enhance the execution of low-level languages like C and C++, Wasm has since expanded its capabilities to include features like exception handling, tail calls, and garbage collection support. Yet, despite these advances, Wasm is not yet a first-class language on the Web. So, what is holding WebAssembly back from reaching the top?
A Look at the Current Situation
WebAssembly is often viewed as a second-class language because it still requires JavaScript for seamless interaction with the Web. This dependency limits the developer experience and hampers broader adoption of Wasm. Indeed, developers frequently turn to JavaScript, which is simpler and often "good enough" for many tasks.
According to a 2023 StackOverflow survey, only 20% of developers have used WebAssembly, a number that is rising but still shows the path ahead for widespread adoption.
The Advantages of WebAssembly
Nevertheless, WebAssembly offers undeniable advantages. Tests show performance improvements of up to 30% compared to pure JavaScript solutions. Companies like Figma and Autodesk are already leveraging these capabilities to provide user experiences close to those of native applications.
What WebAssembly Lacks
For Wasm to become a first-class language, it needs to integrate more closely with the web platform. Efforts are underway to standardize and integrate advanced features, such as multithreading and memory management, which could facilitate this transition.
The Way Forward
The W3C is working to integrate proposals like "Module Linking" and "Garbage Collection," which could allow for more complex use cases and better interaction with JavaScript. The integration of Wasm into the cloud is also underway, paving the way for new cloud architecture models.
Conclusion
WebAssembly has the potential to transform the way we build web applications. By continuing to move in the direction of integration and standardization, Wasm could soon be recognized as a first-class language on the Web.
Want to automate your operations with AI? Book a 15-min call to discuss.