gRPC is a high-performance RPC framework using HTTP/2 and Protocol Buffers. Protobuf (binary serialisation) is 3-10x smaller and faster than JSON. Code generation from .proto files produces type-safe clients and servers in any language. RPC types: unary (one request, one response), server streaming, client streaming, bidirectional streaming. Ideal for internal microservice communication where latency and throughput matter more than browser compatibility.
Each stage in order — click any step to read what it does.
gRPC and REST comparison for microservice communication.
The trade-offs worth knowing before you build this.
The .proto file is the single source of truth for your service contract. Generated code eliminates hand-written client libraries. Protobuf field numbering enables backward-compatible schema evolution — never reuse field numbers.
gRPC bidirectional streaming is the right choice for chat, live collaboration, game state sync, and any feature requiring push from server to client. REST long-polling is an inefficient workaround.
grpc-gateway generates a reverse-proxy HTTP server from .proto annotations. External clients use REST; internal services use gRPC. One implementation, two interfaces, no code duplication.
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