What are the best practices for using Protocol Buffers?

What are the best practices for using Protocol Buffers?

Some best practices include defining clear message structures, using field numbers wisely, and keeping backward compatibility.

Can you explain why backward compatibility is important?

Backward compatibility ensures that new versions of your application can still read data serialized with older versions, preventing data loss.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid?

Common pitfalls include using reserved field numbers incorrectly, not documenting your schema, and neglecting to version your messages.

How do I handle versioning in Protocol Buffers?

You can handle versioning by using field options like 'optional' and 'repeated', and by maintaining a clear versioning strategy in your schema.