What are the differences between Protocol Buffers and XML?

What are the differences between Protocol Buffers and XML?

Protocol Buffers (Protobuf) is a binary serialization format developed by Google, while XML is a text-based markup language. Protobuf is more efficient in terms of size and speed, making it suitable for high-performance applications. XML, on the other hand, is human-readable and widely used for data interchange.

Which one is better for data interchange?

It depends on the use case. If you need human readability and compatibility with various systems, XML might be better. However, for performance and efficiency, especially in large-scale applications, Protocol Buffers are often preferred.

Can you give examples of when to use each?

Sure! Use XML when you need to work with web services or APIs that require human-readable formats, like RESTful services. Use Protocol Buffers for internal services or applications where performance is critical, such as microservices or mobile apps.

What are the advantages of using Protocol Buffers?

Some advantages of Protocol Buffers include smaller message sizes, faster serialization/deserialization, strong typing, and support for backward and forward compatibility.