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Cervus: A WebAssembly subsystem for Linux

github.com

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Re: Cervus: A WebAssembly subsystem for Linux

#4

Post by giancarlostoro »

kccqzy wrote: post #2

The next step of evolution predicted by Gary Bernhardt. https://www.destroyallsoftware.com/talks/the-birth-and-death...

I've seen this talk linked so many times and now that I've finally watched it, definitely recommend it it's pretty good.

Re: Cervus: A WebAssembly subsystem for Linux

#5

Post by jchw »

Having web assembly be a native subsystem... That's brilliant. Why has this not been attempted for Java or anything else for that matter? I guess you could count Microsoft's .NET implementation.

In any case, you could extend this beyond just user mode. Currently the domain of safe ring0 execution is eBPF as far as I know, but this would be way more approachable and other operating systems could implement it.

I've got no idea what the future is for this project but I really hope it doesn't stay in the realm of "fascinating but not practical."

Re: Cervus: A WebAssembly subsystem for Linux

#6

Post by pjmlp »

jchw wrote: post #5

Having web assembly be a native subsystem... That's brilliant. Why has this not been attempted for Java or anything else for that matter? I guess you could count Microsoft's .NET implementation. In any case, you could extend this beyond just user mode. Currently the domain of safe ring0 execution is eBPF as far as I know, but this would be way more approachable and other operating systems could implement it. I've got…

It has.

I remember there was Linux Journal article about it, almost 20 years ago, regarding Java.

Also this is how mainframes like IBM i work. Binaries use the TIMI format and are JITed into native code at installation time or on demand, if needed.

Re: Cervus: A WebAssembly subsystem for Linux

#7

Post by zaarn »

WA in the kernel could lead to drivers being established as WA code with special interfaces. With safe interfaces to stuff like PCIe devices, the linux kernel could transform into a more hybrid kernel, similar to NT. Many funs to be had!

I imagine it could also be useful to run user programs without having to switch rings all the time...

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