Here’s a look at six programming languages you can deploy to WebAssembly (Wasm) today, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. WebAssembly enables running compiled code efficiently inside web browsers or other Wasm runtimes, opening new opportunities for languages beyond just JavaScript.
Python is one such language that can target Wasm. While traditionally interpreted, tools like Pyodide and Wasmer allow Python code to run in a WebAssembly environment, making it possible to use Python libraries and scripts directly in the browser or sandboxed runtimes. The main advantage here is Python’s rich ecosystem, but the downside is larger payload sizes and slower startup compared to languages compiled more directly to Wasm.
Other popular languages like Rust and C/C++ have more mature and streamlined WebAssembly support. Rust, in particular, has excellent Wasm tooling that produces small, fast binaries and a strong focus on memory safety. C and C++ leverage the Emscripten compiler to port existing native codebases to Wasm, ideal for games or performance-critical apps. Both are great choices if performance and minimal runtime dependencies are priorities.
Languages like Go and AssemblyScript also have growing WebAssembly ecosystems. Go compiles to Wasm with some runtime overhead but benefits from its simplicity and concurrency model. AssemblyScript offers a TypeScript-like syntax targeting Wasm, appealing to developers familiar with JavaScript who want better performance without leaving the JS family. Each language choice balances ease of use, ecosystem support, binary size, and runtime speed differently, so your ideal pick depends on your project’s needs.
Overall, WebAssembly’s expanding language support means developers can leverage familiar tools and languages in the browser and beyond, creating richer applications without relying solely on JavaScript. As the tooling continues to mature, expect even more languages and improved workflows for deploying code to Wasm in the near future.