Protocol Buffer Converter
Convert between Protobuf (.proto) definitions and JSON Schema with support for messages, enums, nested types, and all scalar types
Proto Definition
JSON Schema Output
Converted output will appear here
Protocol Buffer Converter
Convert between Protobuf (.proto) definitions and JSON Schema with support for messages, enums, nested types, and all scalar types
Features
- Two-way conversion between Protobuf and JSON Schema
- Supports all proto3 scalar types: string, int32, int64, float, double, bool, bytes
- Handles repeated fields, nested messages, and enum types
- Generates valid JSON Schema draft-07 from proto definitions
- Converts JSON Schema objects back to proto3 message definitions
- Sample proto files with real-world patterns included
How to use
- Choose your conversion direction: Proto to JSON Schema or JSON to Proto
- Paste your .proto file content or JSON Schema, or click Load Sample
- Click Convert to generate the output in the target format
Tips & Best Practices
- Always validate your data before processing to catch syntax errors early.
- Use the copy button to quickly transfer formatted output to your clipboard.
- For large files, consider breaking them into smaller chunks for better performance.
- Back up your original data before applying any transformations.
- Use keyboard shortcuts for faster workflow: Ctrl+A to select all, Ctrl+C to copy.
FAQ
What is Protocol Buffers (Protobuf)?
Protocol Buffers is a language-neutral, platform-neutral serialization format developed by Google. It is used extensively in gRPC services and microservice communication for efficient data exchange between systems.
Which proto syntax version is supported?
The converter supports proto3 syntax, which is the latest and most widely used version. Proto3 simplifies the language by removing required fields and default values, making it easier to use across different programming languages.
How are repeated fields converted?
Repeated fields in proto definitions are converted to JSON Schema arrays. Conversely, JSON Schema properties with type array are converted to repeated fields in the generated proto definition.
How are int64 and uint64 types handled?
Since JSON does not natively support 64-bit integers without precision loss, int64 and uint64 types are mapped to JSON Schema string type with a format annotation. This follows the standard practice used by Google and gRPC-gateway.
Is my data sent to any server?
No, all conversion happens entirely in your browser. Your proto definitions and JSON schemas never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy for sensitive API contracts and data models.
Does it handle nested messages?
Yes, the converter fully supports nested message definitions. Nested messages are converted to separate JSON Schema definitions with $ref references, and nested JSON objects are converted to separate proto message types.
Can I convert gRPC service definitions?
The current version focuses on message and enum type conversion. Service definitions (RPCs) are not converted, as they do not have a direct equivalent in JSON Schema. The converter handles the data model portion of your proto files.