Question 1

How to generate static TypeScript code with protobuf.js?

Accepted Answer

Install the protobufjs-cli package and use the pbjs command to compile .proto files into JavaScript, then pbts for TypeScript definitions. Import the generated modules to use type-safe message classes without runtime reflection.

Question 2

protobuf.js vs JSON: which is better for performance?

Accepted Answer

protobuf.js consistently outperforms JSON in benchmarks, with faster encoding/decoding and smaller payload sizes, making it superior for high-throughput systems. However, JSON is simpler and human-readable, better for APIs where ease of use is prioritized.

Question 3

How to use protobuf.js with gRPC in Node.js?

Accepted Answer

protobuf.js supports service definitions but doesn't include gRPC transport. You need to use the grpc npm package and provide a custom rpcImpl function, as shown in the README, to handle communication with gRPC servers.

Question 4

Can protobuf.js handle 64-bit integers without issues?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it requires the long.js library for proper 64-bit support. Without it, int64 and uint64 fields use JavaScript numbers with limited precision, so install long.js to avoid data loss in large integers.

Question 5

How to debug encoding errors in protobuf.js?

Accepted Answer

Use the Message.verify() method to check plain objects for validity before encoding. If errors persist, review the valid message table in the README to ensure all fields have the correct JS types and required fields are present.

Question 6

Is protobuf.js compatible with Internet Explorer?

Accepted Answer

protobuf.js works in modern browsers but not IE8 without polyfills. For older versions, you must include polyfills for typed arrays and ES5 features, as noted in the compatibility section, which adds overhead.

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