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LibreOffice running natively in the browser via WebAssembly (lab.allotropia.de)

571 points by syrusakbary · 1673 days ago · 208 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses running LibreOffice natively in the browser via WebAssembly. However, the article itself is not available, and the discussion is based on the comments. The comments reveal that the application is quite large, around 300Mb, and takes a significant amount of time to load, even on fast connections. This has led to discussions about optimization and potential improvements.

Main themes

  • WebAssembly and browser-based applications
  • Optimization and performance
  • Security and privacy concerns
  • Office suite development
  • Browser-based productivity tools
  • Web application loading times

What commenters say

  • The large file size of the application is a significant issue that needs to be addressed through optimization and compression.
  • The application's performance is smooth once loaded, but the initial loading time is a major drawback.
  • Some commenters have suggested using alternative methods, such as lazy loading or peer-to-peer downloading, to improve the loading time.
  • Others have pointed out that the application's size could be reduced significantly with basic optimization and compression techniques.
  • There are concerns about the security and privacy implications of running office applications in the browser.
  • The development of browser-based office suites is not a new concept, and some commenters have shared their past experiences with similar projects.
  • The use of WebAssembly has made it possible to run complex applications like LibreOffice in the browser, but it also raises questions about the trade-offs between convenience and security.
  • Some commenters have expressed skepticism about the viability of browser-based office suites, citing past failures and security concerns.