PROTO File Extension

What is PROTO file?

Files with .PROTO extension store data structure or service definitions which allow serialization process to conform to Protocol Buffers - Protobuf formatdeveloped by Google originally for internal use in 2001. PROTO files are text files with well-defined syntax. It was designed to replace XML format as a be more user friendly standard. PROTO files are used Google company and in RPC protocols for storing structured data. PROTO files serve as a bese for generating source code for clients and servers.

Uses of PROTO files

Buffer schema and definitions are saved in PROTO files. Data structures in the form of messages have required an optional fields. Each entry can have a name, type, and tags. By using protoc compiler with additional buffer libraries, users can generate source code in such programming languages as:

• C++, C#, Objective-C,
• Java, JavaScript,
• Go,
• Python
• Ruby.

For example, C++ code generated based on file.proto will be saved to file.pb.cc and file.pb.h header file. Compilers for various languages are available for different programming environments. This make PROTO a portable format to using and distributing code.

Protocol Buffer data serialization

Data serialized using Protocol Buffer is typically saved to binary file for portability and compactness. Protocol Buffer specification supports ASCII encoding but with limited backward compatibility.

Programs which support PROTO file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with PROTO files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with PROTO suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 04/09/2023

How to open file with PROTO extension?

Problems with accessing PROTO may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with PROTO extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install protobuf

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PROTO files is that no program that can handle PROTO files is installed on user’s system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install protobuf. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit protobuf website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of protobuf and update if needed

If the problems with opening PROTO files still occur even after installing protobuf, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of protobuf is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of protobuf installed, it may not support PROTO format. The latest version of protobuf should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open PROTO files to protobuf

If you have the latest version of protobuf installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage PROTO on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the PROTO file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where protobuf is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open PROTO files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PROTO file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with PROTO extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the PROTO is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the PROTO file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the PROTO in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the PROTO is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the PROTO file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the PROTO file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the PROTO file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with PROTO extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Protocol Buffer Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open protobuf

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PROTO extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Protocol Buffer Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle PROTO files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PROTO file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on PROTO file.