RPC frameworks available?

Question

I am looking to use a RPC framework for internal use. The framework has to be cross language. I am exploring Apache Thrift right now. Google protocol Buffers does not provide RPC capabilities exactly. What are the choices I have got apart from Thrift. (my servers will be primarily Java and the clients will be Java, Python, PHP).

Walloper

After Exploring a bit, and looking at all the options available along with the Documentation, I prefer Thrift. Waiting for Message Pack to be more mature – Walloper

Curious tho what exactly are you looking with RPC over very simple request/response handling ("REST"); for example simple HTTP+JSON combination works rather well, convenient, performance, simple. So what would a framework like thrift, PB, Hessian or others buy you? – Inga

Thrift is definitely faster and lighter than the HTTP/JSON approach. More requests can be served using Thrift than HTTP+JSON/XML. So Thrift is a good choice for internal services. REST approach may be best for external APIs – Walloper

Answer 1

There is also MessagePack which claims to be faster than Protocol Buffers and have more features than Thrift.

Walloper

To be honest, performace differences between PB, Thrift and alternatives seldom matter a lot -- they are all fast enough for most uses. – Inga

Answer 2

I would look at REST as a first option because it is ubiquitous and no-nonsense.

If performance and representation really needs to be compact, I have heard good things about Apache AVRO and my fingers are twitching to try it out in anger.

Imposition

AVRO seems interesting. Well REST vs RPC debate is over and I am looking for RPC alternatives – Walloper

Well in first look, AVRO does not seem to support PHP out of the box. That might be an issue for us. – Walloper

I didn't find a RPC implementation in the Avro C++ source, did I miss anything? – Iridaceous

From issues.apache.org/jira/browse/AVRO-777 it seems that at least C support is well underway. – Imposition

Answer 3

There also seems to be ICE: which uses Google Protocol Buffers for RPC.

Walloper

To be precise, it doesn't use them, but can emulate them. – Tasman