Kotlin 2.2.20 Boosts WebAssembly Support: What’s New and Why It Matters
John: Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog! I’m John, your go-to guy for breaking down tech topics in a way that’s fun and easy to grasp. Today, we’re diving into the latest update from the Kotlin world: version 2.2.20, which is making waves with its boosted support for WebAssembly. If you’re a developer or just curious about how code runs in browsers, this is exciting stuff. And joining me as always is Lila, our resident beginner who’s got all the practical questions to keep things grounded.
Lila: Hi John! Okay, so I’ve heard of Kotlin—it’s that programming language that’s big for Android apps, right? But WebAssembly? That sounds like something from a sci-fi movie. Can you start from the basics? What’s this update all about?
John: Absolutely, Lila. Kotlin is indeed popular for Android, but it’s grown way beyond that. The 2.2.20 release, which dropped just a few days ago, puts WebAssembly—or Wasm for short—into beta status. This means developers can now compile Kotlin code to run directly in web browsers with near-native performance. It’s a game-changer for building web apps that are fast and efficient. If you’re comparing automation tools to streamline your dev workflow, our deep-dive on Make.com covers features, pricing, and use cases in plain English—worth a look: Make.com (formerly Integromat) — Features, Pricing, Reviews, Use Cases.
The Basics: What is WebAssembly and Why Kotlin?
Lila: Beta status sounds promising, but break it down for me. What’s WebAssembly exactly, and how does Kotlin fit in?
John: Great question! WebAssembly is like a super-efficient way to run code in your browser. Normally, web stuff relies on JavaScript, but Wasm lets languages like Kotlin compile into a binary format that browsers can execute quickly—think of it as translating a book into a language the reader understands perfectly, without losing speed. Kotlin’s been experimenting with this for a while, but 2.2.20 makes it beta-ready, meaning it’s stable enough for real projects but still getting polished.
Lila: So, it’s not just for fun—there are actual benefits?
John: Spot on. From what I’ve seen in recent reports, this update allows Kotlin code to run natively in browsers, offering performance close to JavaScript but with Kotlin’s safety features, like null safety and concise syntax. It’s part of Kotlin’s multiplatform push, where one codebase can target Android, iOS, web, and more.
Key Features in Kotlin 2.2.20
Lila: Alright, what are the standout features? I saw something about Swift export too—is that related?
John: Yes! The release isn’t just about Wasm. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights, based on the official announcements:
- WebAssembly in Beta: Kotlin/Wasm is now beta, with improvements for debugging and integration in tools like JetBrains IDEs.
- Swift Export by Default: This makes it easier to share Kotlin code with Swift for iOS apps—no extra setup needed.
- JavaScript BigInt Support: Handles large numbers seamlessly in JS environments, which ties into web dev.
- Better Overload Resolution: Smarter handling of function calls, reducing errors in complex code.
- Stack Canaries in Binaries: Adds security to prevent buffer overflows in native compilations.
- IDE Plugin Updates: Enhanced tools for developers, making coding smoother.
John: These come from reliable sources like InfoWorld and the official Kotlin blog, where they’ve detailed how this builds on previous versions like 2.1.20, which bolstered compiler plugins and Wasm debugging.
Lila: Stack canaries? That sounds like a bird in a coal mine—analogy?
John: Haha, exactly! It’s a security feature that acts like a “canary” to detect if someone’s trying to mess with the program’s memory stack, preventing hacks. Simple but effective.
Current Developments and Real-Time Buzz
Lila: What’s the buzz like right now? Are people actually using this?
John: From trending discussions on X (formerly Twitter) and recent news, there’s a lot of excitement. Verified accounts from JetBrains and Kotlin devs are sharing demos of Wasm apps running buttery smooth in browsers. For instance, a post from the Kotlin Foundation highlighted how this ties into multiplatform trends, with one thread gaining traction about using Kotlin for web games—performance is key there. AlternativeTo and Archyde articles note that Wasm support is positioning Kotlin as a powerhouse beyond Android, especially with the growing WebAssembly ecosystem in 2025.
Lila: Any challenges developers might face?
John: Sure, it’s beta, so there might be bugs, and not all libraries are fully compatible yet. But the community is active—KotlinConf 2025 recaps show sessions on overcoming these, like better integration with existing JS tools.
Challenges and How to Get Started
Lila: If I’m a beginner, how do I even start with this? Sounds intimidating.
John: Not at all! Start with the official Kotlin docs—they have tutorials for setting up a Wasm project in IntelliJ IDEA. It’s as simple as selecting the Wasm target in your build.gradle file. Challenges include learning the multiplatform setup, but resources are plentiful. And if creating docs or presentations about your projects feels overwhelming, this step-by-step guide to Gamma shows how you can generate presentations, documents, and even websites in just minutes: Gamma — Create Presentations, Documents & Websites in Minutes.
Lila: Cool, that could help visualize code flows. What about future potential?
Future Potential and Trends
John: Looking ahead, Kotlin’s roadmap points to full Wasm stability, possibly in 2.3 or later. With trends like WASI (WebAssembly System Interface) advancing, as seen in Uno Platform’s 2024 reports, Kotlin could power everything from web apps to edge computing. Imagine serverless functions in Kotlin running in browsers—it’s happening. Recent Medium posts and heise online articles predict deeper iOS ties via Swift, making cross-platform dev a breeze.
Lila: Any real-world examples?
John: Definitely—Ktor 3.0’s update supports Wasm as a client target, enabling real-time web features. Devs are already building multiplatform apps that share code across web and mobile.
FAQs: Answering Common Questions
Lila: Let’s wrap up with some FAQs. Is this only for pros?
John: Nope, beginners can dive in with simple projects. Another common one: Does it replace JavaScript? Not really—it’s complementary, letting you mix them.
Lila: And for automation in dev workflows?
John: Good point—tools like Make.com can automate builds and deployments. If you’re interested, check out our guide for more: Make.com (formerly Integromat) — Features, Pricing, Reviews, Use Cases.
John: In reflection, Kotlin 2.2.20 is a solid step toward making web development more accessible and powerful. It builds on years of progress, and I’m excited to see how it evolves. If you’re tinkering with code, this could be your next playground.
Lila: Totally agree—it’s less scary than I thought! My takeaway: Start small with Wasm, and who knows, you might build the next big web app.
This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:
- Kotlin 2.2.20 boosts WebAssembly support | InfoWorld
- Kotlin 2.2.20 brings WebAssembly in beta, Swift export available by default, and more | AlternativeTo
- Kodee’s Kotlin Roundup: 2.2.20-Beta2, Kotlin LSP Update, Shipaton 2025, and a New Face on the Foundation Board | The Kotlin Blog
- Kotlin: Beyond Android – A Modern Language Powerhouse – Archyde
- Kotlin 2.10 programming language extends connection to iOS and WebAssembly | heise online