In this response, four strategies for incorporating C++ into JavaScript are explored. The approaches presented aim to maintain the integrity of the original C++ code through standard and simple implementation techniques.
The discussion covers two methodologies utilizing WebAssembly (WASM) and two involving SWIG and JRPC. Detailed examples are provided for running C++ in both web browsers and Node.js environments using WASM. Additionally, alternative methods for executing C++ in JavaScript - such as invoking Node.js from a browser using jrpc-oo - are outlined towards the end.
To integrate your C++ code with JavaScript, consider compiling it to WASM and loading the module in either the browser or Node.js for execution. A helpful resource on leveraging WASM for this purpose can be found in this WASM repository. Key snippets from the repository are elaborated upon within the text.
Begin by defining your C++ code and declaring the corresponding WASM bindings, as shown in the example below:
// Example implementation
class Test {
public:
void sayHello(){
printf("Hi, my name is test\n");
}
};
#include <emscripten/bind.h>
EMSCRIPTEN_BINDINGS(Test_ex) {
emscripten::class_<Test>("Test")
.function("sayHello", &Test::sayHello)
;
}
After compiling the code, execute it in Node.js using a snippet like the one below:
libWASM = require('./libwasmNode.js');
libWASM().then((mod)=>{
libWASM = mod;
let test = new libWASM.Test;
test.sayHello();
});
For browser implementation, import the necessary WASM library and trigger the execution of the C++ method as indicated below:
// Importing required modules
import modProm from './libwasm.js';
// Creating a web component and executing WASM code
export class LibWASM extends LitElement {
constructor() {
super();
}
async connectedCallback() {
await modProm().then((mod)=>{
this.libWASM = mod;
this.WASMReady();
})
}
WASMReady(){
console.log('LibWASM.libWASM module compiled and ready to go.')
let test = new this.libWASM.Test;
test.sayHello();
}
}
The exemplary code discussed above is available in the provided repository. Alternatively, another approach involves combining C++, SWIG, and Node.js, details of which can be found in this accompanying repository link.
For executing Node.js functionality from a browser or exploring different integration methods of C++ with Node.js, refer to this SWIG and jrpc-oo reference. These approaches facilitate seamless interactions between C++ and JavaScript while preserving the original C++ code within the project.
While there exist multiple ways to incorporate C++ into JavaScript, the highlighted strategies prioritize simplicity and reliability, focusing on WASM binding and SWIG abstraction for an effective integration process.