gRPC c# file download/upload + web client side

Question

The main problem:

I am looking for a solution to improve upload/download speed for large files. I've heard about relatively new technology gRPC. I understand that it is good for server to server communication e.g. microservices architecture.

Client

However I need file upload/download component on front end (browser) ( something like Fine uploader, jQuery file upload plugin, Resumable.js) with gRPC support. I can do support by myself. But I don't know how and what and if it is possible at all. So I need an example or an advise or pointing to the right direction. No matter JS side: vanilla, react, angular ...

Server side

• c# preferable
• node.js possible
• java workable

Research done on the subject

• gRPC Java File Download Example - An answer was given here as links to sample code. Unfortunately links broken.
• SERVER STREAMING WITH GRPC AND .NET CORE - A client side is console.
• Update UploadFileClient.java - as above
• gRPC for .NET Examples - there is no example I need
• The state of gRPC in the browser and his repo Test various implementations of gRPC-Web Clients with various implementations of gRPC-Web proxies - very interesting (I think it's possible somehow implement client in browser), however as my knowledge in gRPC is very low it's too complicated for me to accomplish my task

Please help or at least say that it is impossible

Answer 1

Yes it is possible to use gRPC to communicate between browser and a server. I would propose you to do a prove of concept before implementing the solution.

gRPC uses protobuf to communicate and the data that needs to be communicated is encapsulated in a protobuf message.

The first answer in gRPC Java File Download Example is correct. To be able to transfer files over a network you have to convert it into bytes.

Using his example,

message DataChunk {
   bytes data = 1;
}

service imageService {
   rpc DownloadProductImage(DownloadProductImageRequest) returns(stream DataChunk);
}

All this code should be in a protofile and the implementation should be generated using a protobuf generator (usually it is a maven plugin for java).

The important point to note in the example provided is the word stream, this is what will enable you to send bytes to the server or vice versa. In the example he is downloading a stream of bytes from the service call DownloadProductImage.

Here is a good starting point gRPC Java Basics, gRPC Concepts, Building a gRPC service with Java