Introducing Popcorn for Running Elixir in Web Browsers

Popcorn introduces the potential of running Elixir code directly in web browsers, presenting a new platform for experimentation and learning with the language. It simplifies accessibility for newcomers via features like a REPL and interactive guides. The tool's development encompasses various strategies, ultimately opting to compile an Erlang VM to WebAssembly using AtomVM, which suits web environments better despite its limited feature set compared to the full BEAM virtual machine. Challenges remain, such as the limited Elixir/OTP functionality in AtomVM and size constraints of compiled artifacts. The development team actively seeks user engagement to further enhance Popcorn's capabilities, while it currently remains more suited for testing and feedback rather than production use.