asm.js vs JavaScript

Developers should learn asm meets pick javascript when you're shipping anything that runs in a browser — it's not a preference, it's the only language browsers natively execute, and paired with node. Here's our take.

asm.js

Nice Pick

Developers should learn asm

Pros

• js when they need to port existing C/C++ codebases to the web while maintaining high performance, as it provides a straightforward compilation path with minimal overhead
• Related to: javascript, webassembly

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

JavaScript

Pick JavaScript when you're shipping anything that runs in a browser — it's not a preference, it's the only language browsers natively execute, and paired with Node

Pros

• js it also covers your backend so one team can own the full stack
• Related to: node-js, typescript

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use asm.js if: You want js when they need to port existing c/c++ codebases to the web while maintaining high performance, as it provides a straightforward compilation path with minimal overhead and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use JavaScript if: You prioritize js it also covers your backend so one team can own the full stack over what asm.js offers.

The Bottom Line

asm.js wins

Developers should learn asm

Related Comparisons