Native Client: open alternative to ActiveX

18th December 2008

Google has released a new software platform called Native Client, which would allow developers to create more powerful components of Web applications that can work with the operating system directly, rather than through a browser. Unlike the similar Microsoft technology ActiveX, Native Client already runs not only under Windows, but also Linux and Mac OS.
Native Client consists of three components: executing environment, pluggable module for browser and a set of tools for compiling based on GCC (GNU C Compilator) for language C. Rigid rules, set for executable modules are meant to prevent execution and spread of malicious code through Native Client.
The technology Native Client is unlikely to be widespread very soon. So far, this is only an experimental development for programmers to adjust hybrid models of Web applications for different operating systems. Generally the very projects of Native Client and ActiveX are very perspective.
At the moment, the platform Native Client does not support modules in the browser Internet Explorer, but supports Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera.