Febuary 3, 2026

Authors

Joe Starr, Ph.D.

I specialize in computational knot theory. I’m also a professional embedded software engineer.

Context and Problem Statement

We need to run the PDGL in a browser. This means compiling or cross compiling to a browser format.

Decision Drivers

• Needs to be maintainable
• Has to be compatible with CMake
• Has to have support available

Decision Outcome

Use Emscripten.

Considered Options

• Emscripten
• Cheerp
• WASI SDK

Pros and Cons of the Options

Emscripten

• Good, heavily used
• Good, support is available
• Bad, support can reference deprecated interfaces
• Bad, complicated interface

Cheerp

• Bad, low number of users

WASI SDK

• Good, supplied by the WASM group
• Bad, I've never used it.

More Information

N/A

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