WebAssembly Bytecode

Definition ∞ WebAssembly bytecode is a low-level binary instruction format designed for efficient execution in web browsers and other environments. In the context of blockchain, WebAssembly, or WASM, bytecode enables smart contracts and decentralized applications to run with near-native performance across various platforms. It offers a secure, portable, and efficient compilation target for multiple programming languages, thereby expanding developer options beyond Solidity. WASM significantly improves the execution speed and versatility of blockchain-based computation.
Context ∞ The key discussion surrounding WebAssembly bytecode in blockchain centers on its potential to enhance the performance and flexibility of smart contract execution environments. A critical future development involves its widespread adoption across different blockchain protocols as a standard for virtual machine operations. This provides immediate context for news regarding blockchain scalability solutions and developer tooling advancements.