Remote procedure calls (RPCs) have resurfaced as a significant method for inter-service communication over networks. What distinguishes RPCs is their ability to make network calls feel like local function calls, effectively simplifying processes by abstracting complexities such as serialization and transport. This resurgence highlights the relevance and utility of RPCs in modern software architecture.
In scenarios where two services need to interact, one service functions as the client and the other as the server. Typically, communication occurs via requests and responses using various protocols like TCP or UDP. Remote Procedure Call (RPC) streamlines this process by standardizing the communication between the client and server.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) simplifies service communication by eliminating repetitive tasks. Instead of writing HTTP calls for each interaction, developers can simply invoke a function. This abstraction enables a greater focus on business logic, freeing developers from the complexities of low-level network communication.
In Remote Procedure Calls (RPC), stubs play a crucial role by facilitating communication between services. They convert method calls, transforming the function invocation into a network-compatible format for transmission. Upon receiving a request, the stub also manages the response, ensuring seamless interaction between the invoking and receiving services.
RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is a versatile communication method that is not confined to HTTP. It can function over various protocols, including TCP and other advanced alternatives. A notable example is gRPC, which utilizes HTTP/2 as its transport layer, showcasing the adaptability of RPC in diverse communication environments.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) offers several advantages, such as simplifying the process of invoking remote calls, strong API contracts that enhance reliability, and increased productivity due to support for modern programming languages with auto-generated code. Conversely, RPC also presents challenges, including the necessity to regenerate stubs when signatures change and complications in testing and setup processes.
RPC offers an efficient method for communication within distributed systems. I urge you to try creating a basic RPC service using gRPC to better understand its capabilities. If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe for more detailed engineering insights.
