Emscripten vs WebGL: What are the differences?

Emscripten and WebGL are two technologies used for web development, but they have distinct differences. Below are the key differences between Emscripten and WebGL.

1. **Purpose**: Emscripten is a compiler that converts C/C++ code into JavaScript, allowing developers to run their existing code on the web. On the other hand, WebGL is a JavaScript API for rendering graphics in a web browser, specifically focused on 3D graphics.

2. **Languages Supported**: Emscripten primarily works with C/C++ code, providing a way for developers to port their existing desktop applications to the web platform. WebGL, on the other hand, supports primarily JavaScript for writing graphics applications directly in the browser.

3. **Performance**: Emscripten offers high performance by compiling native code to optimized JavaScript, which can run at near-native speeds in the browser. WebGL, on the other hand, depends on the hardware acceleration of the underlying graphics card for rendering, providing faster graphics performance for complex 3D applications.

4. **Development Complexity**: Emscripten can be more complex for developers who are not familiar with C/C++ and the compilation process. In contrast, WebGL can be easier to work with for web developers who are already familiar with JavaScript and graphics programming.

5. **Accessibility**: Emscripten facilitates the process of porting existing desktop applications to the web, making it easier for developers to bring their legacy code to the browser. WebGL, on the other hand, is more focused on creating new and immersive 3D graphics experiences directly in the browser.

6. **Community Support and Resources**: Emscripten has a strong community of developers who contribute libraries, tools, and resources to support the compilation process and porting of applications. WebGL also has a supportive community but is more specific to graphics programming and 3D rendering in the web browser environment.

In Summary, Emscripten is a compiler for converting C/C++ code to JavaScript for web execution, while WebGL is a JavaScript API for high-performance 3D graphics rendering in the browser.