Learn EMSCRIPTEN with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 25, 2025
Architecture
Frontend: Clang/LLVM compiles C/C++ to intermediate LLVM IR
Backend: Emscripten converts LLVM IR to WebAssembly or asm.js
Runtime: JavaScript glue code handles browser integration
Virtual filesystem supports in-browser file operations
APIs exposed for WebGL, WebAudio, WebSockets, and other browser features
Rendering Model
C/C++ source code -> LLVM IR -> Emscripten -> Wasm/asm.js
JavaScript glue code enables integration with web environment
WebAssembly executes in browser sandbox
Interacts with web APIs for graphics, audio, networking
Outputs rendered content or computation results to browser
Architectural Patterns
Compile-time conversion of native code to Wasm
Browser-side runtime execution
Hybrid C/C++ and JavaScript application model
Virtual file system for in-browser operations
Optional multithreading and SIMD optimization
Real World Architectures
Browser games using SDL/WebGL compiled to Wasm
Scientific simulation tools running in browser
Multimedia apps with real-time audio/video processing
Cryptography and compression in web apps
Legacy C/C++ apps ported to web platforms
Design Principles
Bring native code to the web
Leverage LLVM toolchain for cross-compilation
Use WebAssembly for high performance
Provide seamless JS integration via embind
Emulate POSIX-style behavior for existing C/C++ code
Scalability Guide
Browser-side execution scales per client
WebAssembly modules are loaded per session
Offload heavy computations to WebWorkers if needed
Use IndexedDB for persistent storage across sessions
Bundle and compress Wasm modules for faster delivery
Migration Guide
Port C/C++ applications using Emscripten APIs
Replace OS-dependent functionality with browser-compatible APIs
Compile using emcc to Wasm or asm.js
Integrate JavaScript glue for interaction
Test in multiple browsers for compatibility and performance