protobuf-c
A C implementation of Google Protocol Buffers for serializing structured data with code generation and runtime library.
What is protobuf-c?
protobuf-c is a C implementation of Google Protocol Buffers, providing both a code generator that converts `.proto` files to C code and a runtime library for serializing and deserializing structured data. It solves the problem of efficient, language-neutral data exchange in C applications, particularly where performance and resource constraints matter. The project enables developers to use Protocol Buffers' compact binary format and schema evolution capabilities in pure C environments.
C developers working on embedded systems, network protocols, performance-critical applications, or any project requiring structured data serialization without C++ dependencies. It's also valuable for teams implementing cross-language communication where C is part of the stack.
Developers choose protobuf-c because it provides a complete, production-ready Protocol Buffers implementation specifically for C, with proper versioning and build system integration. Unlike using the C++ implementation in C projects, it offers a pure C solution with smaller footprint and better compatibility with constrained environments.
Overview
Protocol Buffers implementation in C
Use Cases
Best For
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