Protocol Buffers: Powerful Yet Challenging

Protocol buffers can be effectively utilized for public APIs, especially when integrating with JSON schemas, making it accessible for users unfamiliar with the protocol itself. This allows developers to leverage a more efficient binary protocol while still offering the option to generate JSON through traditional methods. However, exposing protocols typically involves using gRPC, as protocol buffers primarily focus on data without inherent function definitions. One significant drawback is the historical difficulty associated with the tools for working with protocol buffers, as they are designed for Google's complex internal systems and may not be user-friendly for the broader developer community.

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