Learn QT-WEBASSEMBLY with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 25, 2025
Explain
Qt-WASM compiles Qt C++ applications into WebAssembly (WASM) bytecode for browser execution.
Supports Qt Widgets, Qt Quick (QML), and standard Qt modules for UI and logic.
Runs in any modern browser without additional plugins or extensions.
Enables access to browser APIs like WebSockets, IndexedDB, and localStorage through Qt abstractions.
Used for deploying desktop-grade GUI apps on the web with near-native performance.
Core Features
Qt application compiled to WebAssembly using Emscripten
Qt Quick/QML rendering in browser canvas
Qt event loop mapped to browser event system
File and network access via browser APIs
Integration with JavaScript for browser-specific interactions
Basic Concepts Overview
Qt Widgets – traditional desktop-style GUI components
Qt Quick/QML – declarative UI for modern apps
Emscripten – compiler toolchain for C++ -> WASM
WebAssembly – binary format for browser execution
Qt WebAssembly Kit – preconfigured build target for Qt
Project Structure
src/ - C++ or QML source files
qml/ - QML modules if using Qt Quick
build/ - compiled WASM artifacts
index.html - generated HTML loader
assets/ - images, audio, fonts, or other resources
Building Workflow
Write Qt C++ or QML application
Configure WebAssembly kit in Qt Creator
Compile project with Emscripten target
Deploy generated .html and .wasm files to web server
Run app in modern web browser
Difficulty Use Cases
Beginner: run basic Qt Widget app in browser
Intermediate: deploy Qt Quick interface with animations
Advanced: integrate WebSockets or IndexedDB
Expert: optimize large GUI app for WASM performance
Auditor: debug memory and performance in browser
Comparisons
Qt-WASM vs Emscripten C++ apps: Qt provides UI framework
Qt-WASM vs React/Angular: Qt allows C++ GUI in browser
Qt-WASM vs WebGL games: Qt offers full app framework, not just graphics
Qt-WASM vs Pyodide: C++ vs Python WASM execution
Qt-WASM vs Flutter Web: C++ Qt vs Dart/Flutter GUI in browser
Versioning Timeline
2018 – Initial experiments with Qt-WASM
2019 – Qt 5.13 preliminary WASM support
2020 – Qt 5.15 stabilized WASM support
2021 – Qt 6 WebAssembly target introduced
2022–2025 – Enhanced module support and performance optimizations
Glossary
WebAssembly (WASM) - binary format for browser execution
Emscripten - C++ -> WASM compiler toolchain
Qt Quick/QML - declarative UI module
Qt WebAssembly Kit - build target for Qt apps
IndexedDB - browser persistent storage