As Low-Level as Possible, But No Lower - WebAssembly's Evolution and Future

Explore the evolution and impact of WebAssembly (Wasm) in this keynote address from ICFP'23. Delve into Wasm's adoption as a low-level VM across diverse ecosystems, including web, cloud, edge, blockchain, mobile, and embedded systems. Learn about its growing role as a compilation target for various programming languages, including Haskell and OCaml. Discover the recent developments in Wasm, such as version 2.0 and upcoming features like tail calls, garbage collection, and threads. Examine how Wasm is influenced by modern programming language research, featuring an end-to-end formal specification, soundness proof, and multiple mechanisations. Investigate the proposed extensions building on language-related research, including weak memory models, type systems, effect handlers, formal methods, and advanced module systems. Gain insights into the new DSL approach for generating official documents, verified interpreters, and mechanised definitions. Understand the importance of collaborations with programming language researchers in shaping Wasm's development and future trajectory.