---
title: Protocol Buffer Compiler Installation
linkTitle: Protoc Installation
description: How to install the protocol buffer compiler.
protoc-version: 25.1
toc_hide: true
---

While it is not mandatory to do so, gRPC applications often leverage [Protocol
Buffers][pb] for service definitions and data serialization.

The protocol buffer compiler, `protoc`, is used to compile `.proto` files, which
contain service and message definitions. For instructions on installing `protoc`,
see the [Protobuf.dev web site](https://protobuf.dev/installation/).

[pb]: https://protobuf.dev