The concept of assembly language has been around since the dawn of computing, allowing developers to fine-tune their code to specific hardware architectures. However, with the advent of WebAssembly (Wasm), the game is changing. Wasm represents a fundamental shift from hardware-based assembly languages, designed to be portable and run securely across different environments.

Traditionally, assembly languages were tied to specific processors, making it difficult to run executables across different systems. But Wasm is different. It has the potential to answer the call of "Write once, run everywhere," a promise that Java failed to deliver. Wasm's use is expanding beyond the browser, with broader adoption on the server side seeming inevitable.

The progression of computing has been marked by layers of abstraction, from ones and zeros to assembly language, and then to higher-order languages like Fortran, Cobol, and C. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and .NET runtime further abstracted code from the raw machine, enabling executables to run on any operating system. The browser has become an operating system in its own right, minimizing the developer's dependency on the underlying OS. Wasm takes this abstraction to the next level, enabling code to run securely and portably across different environments.

Rust, C/C++, and Go are among the languages that can be compiled into Wasm, but any language can be used. Notably, TypeScript has yet to support Wasm, despite being a language targeted at web development. As the browser becomes an increasingly important target for applications, it's likely that Wasm will become more widely used.

Despite its potential, Wasm still faces significant barriers. It lacks an official way to access system-level resources like the file and networking systems, although the WebAssembly System Interface (WASI) exists. Wasm also lacks garbage collection, making support for languages like Java and C# difficult. Binding to web frameworks like React is still kludgy and requires interfacing with JavaScript.

However, the potential of Wasm is undeniable. Imagine a world where Wasm and WASI are common, bindings to the DOM enable web user interfaces, and developers can build web applications in any programming language. In the medium term, Wasm's utility will continue to grow, complementing JavaScript and increasing its ability to run securely and portably across different environments.

In conclusion, WebAssembly has the potential to revolutionize web development by enabling portable, secure, and language-agnostic applications. While it still faces significant barriers, its adoption is growing, and its potential to change the face of web development is undeniable. As the technology continues to evolve, it's likely that Wasm will become an increasingly important tool in the developer's arsenal.