The microservices architecture has transformed how we approach software development by allowing applications to be built as a collection of loosely coupled, independently deployable services. However, as organizations scale their use of microservices, they often encounter challenges related to complexity and operational costs. Enter WebAssembly (Wasm), a powerful technology that promises to alleviate these issues. By enhancing microservices efficiency with high performance, modularity, and portability, WebAssembly is set to become a game-changer in the world of cloud computing and software development. In this article, we explore how WebAssembly microservices can offer a new approach to software development by providing high performance, modularity, and portability.
What is WebAssembly?
WebAssembly (Wasm) is an open standard that lets developers create quality web experiences with near-native application performance. Developers can execute binary code on the web and apply programming languages such as C, C++, and Rust to web development. It lets developers choose any programming language and browser.
📣 Attention #WebAssembly #developers, users & enthusiasts: #WasmCon will be in Salt Lake City, Utah from November 11-12! Join us for the latest insights & best practices in #Wasm. Submit to speak by July 8: https://t.co/zfifsCuXI4. pic.twitter.com/3mHHpiZ9gS
— The Linux Foundation (@linuxfoundation) May 29, 2024
Currently, JavaScript is the only programming language that runs natively in a web browser. WebAssembly, on the other hand, offers near-native performance for web applications. It parses and compiles code before it is loaded into a browser, with machine-ready instructions for the browser to quickly validate and run the program.
WebAssembly has emerged as an ideal choice to build web services that require an intense level of performance. Google Earth and Figma have moved to WebAssembly, leveraging its capability to push execution speed and cut loading time.
Microservices with WebAssembly and Rust
A microservices architecture simplifies the design and implementation of large-scale applications by dividing them into multiple smaller applications (typically individual HTTP endpoints) that perform just one functionality. This modular approach helps developers scale software, although it becomes increasingly complex to manage.
Meanwhile, Wasm not only enables high-performance apps on web browsers but also runs complex apps in other environments. This idea is in Wasm’s project under the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, WasmEdge Runtime. With it, developers can run micro-applications with individual HTTP servers. This is especially good for applications that require dynamic scaling in edge cloud and serverless environments.
Announcing Wasmi v0.32: New WebAssembly Execution Engine: Faster Than Everhttps://t.co/fo2mroXUnh
Discussions: https://t.co/bYq7JfPAte#programming #rustlang #webassembly
— Rust Weekly 🦀 (@RustDiscussions) May 29, 2024
Wasm apps have been shown to be 100 times faster and significantly smaller than Rust apps. Leveraging these characteristics of Wasm apps, you can compile your programs in Rust, convert them into Wasm bytecode, and deploy them to the cloud. Through this, you can securely execute the Rust program practically anywhere with greater isolation and a considerably reduced attack surface.
What is WASI?
WebAssembly System Interface (WASI) is a modular system interface set that ensures WebAssembly code portability. It comprises both low-level interfaces such as IO and high-level interfaces such as cryptography.
When used inside browsers, Wasm manages access to the OS. You’ll need a separate interface, however, to run Wasm apps on servers.
Without WASI, these apps must be provisioned with full access to operating systems. This ties Wasm apps to a particular OS and increases vulnerability.
Wasm and Docker
Even though WebAssembly is a new tech standard, it has already caused ripples in the software industry. It is especially notable when industry leaders vouch for it over their platforms.
That includes Docker co-founder Solomon Hykes, who said on X, formerly known as Twitter:
“If [Wasm plus WASI] existed in 2008, we wouldn’t have needed to create Docker. That’s how important it is. WebAssembly on the server is the future of computing. A standardized system interface was the missing link. Let’s hope WASI is up to the task!”
The recording of my #kubecon keynote is out: https://t.co/w7HlVyulM8
Thank you to everyone who attended, on the last day of a draining event. It was a special moment that I enjoyed very much, I hope you did too.
Non-french speakers: watch this after 😁 https://t.co/O1GuJJ9jqJ pic.twitter.com/PwaCmoWd4t
— Solomon Hykes (@solomonstre) March 24, 2024
In 2022, Docker released the technical preview of Docker plus Wasm, showing how the two technologies are complementary.
The Way Forward with WebAssembly
Microservices architecture is here to stay. It is highly scalable and lets users use different technologies for different services. Using microservices can increase operational costs; managing them becomes complex as the number of small blocks of independent services increases.
WebAssembly could be the answer to these microservices management challenges. It is lightweight, provides portability across platforms, and offers near-native execution of code. Developers can use their preferred language and integrate different components to create better software. WebAssembly is a promising option for organizations to build complex web services that can run anywhere.
What Do You Think About the Future of WebAssembly in Microservices?
WebAssembly microservices are set to transform the landscape of software development and cloud computing. By addressing the complexities and operational costs associated with microservices, WebAssembly offers a powerful solution for developers and organizations alike. As this technology continues to evolve, its impact will only grow. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with WebAssembly in the comments below. Your insights could help shape the future of this exciting field!
Photo by Fotis Fotopoulos on Unsplash
