bitproto

Free

A fast, lightweight and easy-to-use bit level data interchange format for serializing data structure. Its syntax is similar to protobuf, but very suitable for the embedded systems.

FreeFree tier

Type

Open Source

Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About bitproto

Bitproto is a fast, lightweight, and easy-to-use bit-level data interchange format for serializing data structures. Its syntax is similar to Protocol Buffers but operates at the bit level, making it particularly suitable for embedded systems and microcontrollers with tight memory constraints. It supports generating code for C (without dynamic memory allocation), Go, and Python. Key capabilities include protocol extensibility for forward compatibility, blazing fast encoding/decoding, and compact binary output without any wasted bits. The schema language supports bit-level enums, constants, type aliases, composite messages, and fixed-size arrays. Bitproto is open source and maintained on GitHub.

Key Features

Bit-level data serialization optimized for embedded development

Protocol extensibility for forward compatibility

Syntax similar to Protocol Buffers (protobuf) for ease of learning

Blazing fast encoding and decoding performance

Compact binary output without any bit gaps between fields

Code generation for C (no dynamic memory allocation), Go, and Python

Supports bit-level enums, constants, type aliases, composite messages, and fixed-size arrays

Schema compiler generates ready-to-use source files

Pros & Cons

Pros

Fast encoding and decoding performance based on benchmarks
Very compact data representation – fields are packed without any bit gaps
Easy to learn with a syntax similar to widely-known protobuf
Supports multiple languages (C, Go, Python) from a single schema
C code generation avoids dynamic memory allocation, suitable for bare-metal embedded
Forward compatibility through protocol extensibility
Open source with active long-term maintenance on GitHub

Cons

Currently only supports C, Go, and Python; no support for Java, JavaScript, or other popular languages
Smaller ecosystem and community compared to established formats like protobuf or MessagePack
Requires learning a new schema language specific to bitproto
No built-in support for RPC, services, or streaming – focuses solely on data serialization

Best For

Data serialization in embedded systems and microcontrollersResource-constrained environments with limited memory and processing powerProtocol design requiring precise bit-level control over data layoutReplacing manually managed bitfields in C with a structured schemaCommunications between IoT devices and low-level hardware

FAQ

What is bitproto?

Bitproto is a fast, lightweight bit-level data interchange format for serializing data structures, similar to protobuf but optimized for bit-level packing. It generates code for C, Go, and Python.

Is bitproto compatible with protobuf?

No, bitproto is a distinct format with its own schema language. It was inspired by protobuf syntax but operates at the bit level and is designed for embedded systems.

Which languages are supported by bitproto?

Bitproto currently supports generating code for C (without dynamic memory allocation), Go, and Python.

How does bitproto handle forward compatibility?

Bitproto supports protocol extensibility, allowing fields to be added or removed while maintaining compatibility with older versions of the schema.

Is bitproto suitable for very memory-constrained devices?

Yes, bitproto is designed for embedded development. The C code generation avoids dynamic memory allocation, and the compact bit-level packing minimizes message size.