This tutorial provides a basic C++ programmers introduction to working with protocol buffers. By walking through creating a simple example application, it shows you how to Define message formats in a .proto file. Use the protocol buffer compiler. Use the C++ protocol buffer API to write and read messages. This isn’t a comprehensive guide to using protocol buffers in C++. For more detailed reference information, see the Protocol Buffer Language Guide, the C++ API Reference, the C++ Generated Code Guide, and the Encoding Reference.