gRPC

gRPC is an open source remote procedure call framework. It lets services call each other as if they were local functions, using Protocol Buffers for the message format.

You describe a service in a Protocol Buffers file, and gRPC generates client and server code in many languages. Calls run over HTTP/2, which supports bi-directional streaming and efficient binary messages. The framework includes pluggable support for load balancing, tracing, health checks and authentication. It is used to connect services inside data centers, and it can also connect mobile apps and browsers to backend services. The project is a CNCF incubation project and runs in many environments.

• Define services with Protocol Buffers
• Generate client and server stubs in many languages
• Stream data in both directions over HTTP/2
• Plug in load balancing, tracing, health checks and auth
• Connect services inside data centers and to apps

Backend and microservice teams that exchange many internal calls will get the most from it. Mobile and platform teams that need a typed, efficient protocol will also find it a good fit.

gRPC is open source under the Apache 2.0 license and has no license fee. Browsers need an extra layer or a compatible library to call gRPC services directly. Teams new to Protocol Buffers should plan time for the schema design and tooling setup.