Overview
WebAssembly (WASM) is an open standard that allows code written in languages like C++, Rust, and Go to run at near-native speeds in web browsers. In the blockchain world, WASM is increasingly being used as a more powerful and efficient alternative to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Benefits for Blockchain
- Speed: WASM is significantly faster than the EVM, allowing for more complex smart contracts and higher transaction throughput.
- Language Support: Developers can use popular, well-supported languages instead of being limited to Solidity.
- Efficiency: WASM has a smaller binary size and lower memory overhead.
Adoption
Blockchains like Polkadot, Cosmos, and Near use WASM as their primary execution environment. Ethereum is also exploring a transition to a WASM-based engine called eWASM.