asm.js vs Native Client

Developers should learn asm meets developers should learn native client for building high-performance web applications that require intensive computation, such as games, multimedia processing, or scientific simulations, where javascript performance is insufficient. 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

Native Client

Developers should learn Native Client for building high-performance web applications that require intensive computation, such as games, multimedia processing, or scientific simulations, where JavaScript performance is insufficient

Pros

• It is particularly useful when porting existing C/C++ codebases to the web without rewriting them in JavaScript, offering a bridge between native desktop applications and web platforms
• Related to: webassembly, c

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. asm.js is a language while Native Client is a platform. We picked asm.js based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

asm.js wins

Based on overall popularity. asm.js is more widely used, but Native Client excels in its own space.