Web Development Advanced

What is WebAssembly (Wasm)?

A binary instruction format that enables near-native performance execution of code in web browsers alongside JavaScript.

WebAssembly runs compiled code (from C, C++, Rust, Go) in browsers at near-native speed. Unlike JavaScript, Wasm is a low-level binary format that browsers execute efficiently. It complements JavaScript rather than replacing it.

Use cases include gaming engines, image/video processing, CAD applications, scientific simulations, and running existing C/C++ libraries in browsers. WASI extends Wasm beyond browsers to server-side and edge computing.

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API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and exchange data.

The latest HTTP version that uses QUIC instead of TCP, providing faster connections and better performance on unreliable networks.

An automatic OPTIONS request sent by browsers before certain cross-origin requests to check if the actual request is permitted.

A vocabulary for validating the structure and content of JSON data, ensuring API requests and responses conform to expected formats.

Progressive Web App (PWA)

A web application that uses modern web capabilities to deliver app-like experiences with offline support and push notifications.

Software that sits between the request and response in a web application, performing processing like authentication or logging.

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