WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps · Lesson

Basic Data Exchange: Primitives

Understand how to pass simple data types like integers and floats between your JavaScript and WASM code.

Basic Data Exchange: Primitives is a free WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 3 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.

Exchanging Basic Data Types

Welcome! In this lesson, we'll learn how to pass simple data types, known as primitives, between your JavaScript code and your WebAssembly (WASM) module compiled from C/C++.

Primitives include numbers like integers (int) and floating-point numbers (float, double). This is fundamental for enabling communication and interaction between your web application and high-performance WASM logic.

JS to WASM: Integer Input

Passing an integer from JavaScript to a C/C++ WASM function is quite direct. You define your C/C++ function with integer parameters, and Emscripten handles the necessary type mapping.

For example, a C function to add two integers would look like this:

int add_integers(int a, int b) {
  // Function body
  return a + b;
}

Example: WASM Integer Function

Let's look at a complete C program that defines a function to add two integers and exposes it to JavaScript using EMSCRIPTEN_KEEPALIVE.

Try running this code and see how it compiles:

#include <stdio.h>
#include <emscripten/emscripten.h>

#ifdef __cplusplus
extern "C" {
#endif

EMSCRIPTEN_KEEPALIVE
int add_integers(int a, int b) {
    printf("WASM: Adding %d and %d\n", a, b);
    return a + b;
}

#ifdef __cplusplus
}
#endif

int main() {
    printf("WASM module for integers loaded.\n");
    return 0;
}

Calling Integer Function from JS

After compiling the C code above, Emscripten generates a JavaScript glue code file (e.g., your_module.js) that provides access to your C functions.

You can then call the exported C function from your JavaScript code like this:

// Assuming 'Module' is the Emscripten-generated object
Module.onRuntimeInitialized = () => {
  // The C function is prefixed with an underscore by default
  const result = Module._add_integers(10, 25);
  console.log(`Sum from WASM: ${result}`); // Output: Sum from WASM: 35
};

WASM to JS: Integer Output

Returning an integer from a WASM function back to JavaScript is just as straightforward. C/C++ functions naturally return primitive types, and Emscripten ensures these return values are directly accessible in JavaScript.

Consider a C function that simply returns a fixed integer:

int get_magic_number() {
  return 42;
}

Example: WASM Returns Integer

Here's a C example that returns a specific integer. Notice the use of EMSCRIPTEN_KEEPALIVE to make it available to JavaScript.

Run this to see the simple C structure:

#include <stdio.h>
#include <emscripten/emscripten.h>

#ifdef __cplusplus
extern "C" {
#endif

EMSCRIPTEN_KEEPALIVE
int get_magic_number() {
    printf("WASM: Returning magic number.\n");
    return 42;
}

#ifdef __cplusplus
}
#endif

int main() {
    printf("WASM module for returning integers loaded.\n");
    return 0;
}

Exchanging Floating-Point Numbers

Passing floating-point numbers (float and double) between JavaScript and WASM works very similarly to integers. You define your C/C++ functions with float or double parameters and return types.

JavaScript's Number type is generally a 64-bit float (double-precision), which Emscripten automatically converts when passing to C/C++ float (32-bit) or double (64-bit) types.

Example: WASM Float Operations

Let's create a C function that takes two floats and returns their product, and another for doubles. This demonstrates both input and output of floating-point numbers.

Run this code to see how floats are handled:

#include <stdio.h>
#include <emscripten/emscripten.h>

#ifdef __cplusplus
extern "C" {
#endif

EMSCRIPTEN_KEEPALIVE
float multiply_floats(float a, float b) {
    printf("WASM: Multiplying floats %.2f * %.2f\n", a, b);
    return a * b;
}

EMSCRIPTEN_KEEPALIVE
double divide_doubles(double x, double y) {
    printf("WASM: Dividing doubles %.2f / %.2f\n", x, y);
    if (y == 0.0) return 0.0; // Avoid division by zero
    return x / y;
}

#ifdef __cplusplus
}
#endif

int main() {
    printf("WASM module for floats/doubles loaded.\n");
    return 0;
}

Type Matching is Key

While Emscripten handles much of the type conversion automatically, it's good practice to be aware of the underlying types:

JavaScript Number: This is typically a 64-bit floating-point number.
C/C++ int: Often 32-bit integer.
C/C++ float: 32-bit floating-point number.
C/C++ double: 64-bit floating-point number.

When passing a JS Number to a C float, there might be a slight loss of precision, as the 64-bit JS number is truncated to a 32-bit float.

Quick Check: Data Flow

You've learned how simple data types are exchanged. Let's test your understanding.

Recap: Primitive Exchange

Great job! You've mastered the basics of primitive data exchange between JavaScript and WebAssembly modules compiled from C/C++.

Simple data types like int, float, and double are straightforward to pass.
C/C++ functions can take them as parameters and return them as results.
Emscripten acts as the bridge, automatically converting between JavaScript's Number type and C/C++'s primitive types.
Be mindful of potential precision differences when converting between 64-bit (JS Number, C double) and 32-bit (C float, C int) types.

This fundamental understanding paves the way for exchanging more complex data structures later on!

Frequently asked questions

Is the “Basic Data Exchange: Primitives” lesson free?

Yes — the full text of “Basic Data Exchange: Primitives” is free to read here on the web, and the WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.

What will I learn in “Basic Data Exchange: Primitives”?

Understand how to pass simple data types like integers and floats between your JavaScript and WASM code. You practise WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.

Do I need any experience to start WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps?

No prior experience is required. WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 3 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.

How long does the “Basic Data Exchange: Primitives” lesson take?

Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.

Can I write and run code in this WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps lesson?

Yes. Every WebAssembly (WASM) for High Performance Apps lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.

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