Protocol Buffers (protobuf)

Protocol Buffers (protobuf) is a method developed by Google for efficiently serializing structured data, allowing different software systems to exchange information quickly and reliably. It converts complex data—like numbers, text, or objects—into compact, standardized binary formats that are easy to store and transmit. Think of it as an optimized language for computers to communicate, ensuring data is both small in size and easy to interpret on the receiving end. Protobuf is widely used in large-scale systems for its speed, efficiency, and ability to evolve data schemas without breaking compatibility.