What is Google.Protobuf?

This week, I was searching for different protocols about sending and receiving data between client and server. as a backend developer, I always use REST method but in the middle of searching, gRPC method attracted my attention to test it. first step in using this standard is being familiar with proto files. for using this type of files in .NET, Google.Protobuf nuget package should be installed, the download number of this package shows its popularity. in the time of writing this article, it is 536.4M. hence I have decided to explain "What is Google.Protobuf"

Google.Protobuf?

Google.Protobuf (Protocol Buffers) is a language-neutral, platform-neutral extensible mechanism developed by Google for serializing structured data. It allows developers to define data structures and easily exchange them between applications or services, whether they’re running in the same environment or across different platforms.

Key Features:

• Compact Size: Protobuf messages are much smaller than JSON or XML, significantly reducing bandwidth and storage costs. This is particularly beneficial in mobile applications or APIs where data transfer efficiency is critical.
• Strongly Typed: Unlike JSON, Protobuf enforces data types, which helps maintain data integrity and reduces runtime errors. This makes it easier to manage large codebases where type consistency is essential.
• Backward and Forward Compatibility: Protobuf is designed to support changes to data structures without breaking existing services. This allows you to evolve your application smoothly over time.
• Multi-Language Support: Protobuf supports various programming languages, including C#, Java, Python, Go, and more. This versatility makes it ideal for heterogeneous environments where different services might be written in different languages.

Structure of a Protobuf File

syntax = "proto3";

message PermissonResponse{
    int32 senderid= 1;   
    int32 targetid= 2;      
    string response= 3;   
    bool permission=4;
        

• Syntax: Defines the Protobuf version.
• Message: A structure that contains fields.
• Field Types: Specifies the data type (e.g., string, int32) and assigns a unique identifier.

JSON is one of the most popular data structures among developers. so I compare Proto vs Json:

Protobuf vs. JSON

Data Size: Compact binary format ->Text-based, larger size

Data Types: Strongly typed (enforced) ->Dynamically typed (flexible)

Schema: Requires a predefined schema ->No schema required

Performance: Faster serialization/deserialization ->Slower due to text parsing

Compatibility: Backward/forward compatible ->Changes can break compatibility

How It Works:

Define Your Schema: Start by creating a .proto file to define your data structure.

Generate Code: Use the Protobuf compiler (protoc) to generate code.

in .NET after adding packages and creating proto file

  <PackageReference Include="Grpc.AspNetCore" Version="2.37.0" />
  <PackageReference Include="Grpc.Tools" Version="2.37.0" PrivateAssets="All" />
  <PackageReference Include="Google.Protobuf" Version="3.17.3" />        

first we should check .csproj file and add

<ItemGroup>
  <Protobuf Include="Protos/example.proto" GrpcServices="Server" />
</ItemGroup>        

for server project and

<ItemGroup> 
<Protobuf Include="Protos/example.proto" GrpcServices="Client" /> </ItemGroup>        

for client project. then we should rebuild the project. in the build, every proto file will be converted to a cs file.

Serialize and Deserialize: Use the generated classes to easily convert your data structures to and from binary format.

Use Cases:

• Microservices: Simplify communication between microservices with lightweight, structured messages.
• Mobile Apps: Reduce data transfer sizes for mobile applications, leading to faster load times and a better user experience.
• APIs: Create efficient APIs that support various clients and platforms while ensuring data integrity and compatibility.

Why Choose Google.Protobuf?

In an era where performance and efficiency are paramount, Google.Protobuf offers a reliable solution for data serialization. Whether you're developing APIs, microservices, or mobile applications, Protobuf can help you create robust, scalable, and efficient systems.

If you’re looking to streamline your data handling and enhance your application’s performance, Google.Protobuf is definitely worth a look!

in the next article, I will create a project for screen sharing with gRPC and .NET. in that section I will explain more about this protocol.