Who is rpc

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is a protocol that allows a computer program to execute code on another computer or server across a network, as if it were a local function call. First introduced in the 1970s, it became widely standardized with Sun Microsystems' Open Network Computing (ONC) RPC in 1988, which is still used in systems like NFS (Network File System). Today, RPC underpins many distributed systems, with modern implementations like gRPC handling millions of requests per second in large-scale applications.

Key Facts

First introduced in the 1970s by researchers like Bruce Jay Nelson
Standardized with Sun Microsystems' ONC RPC in 1988
Used in NFS (Network File System) for file sharing since the 1980s
gRPC, a modern RPC framework by Google, can handle over 10 billion requests per second globally
Common in microservices architectures, with adoption by companies like Netflix and Uber

Overview

RPC, or Remote Procedure Call, is a fundamental protocol in computer networking that enables a program to request a service from a program located on another computer in a network, without needing to understand the network's details. It abstracts network communication by making remote calls appear as local function calls, simplifying distributed computing. The concept originated in the 1970s, with early work by researchers like Bruce Jay Nelson, who coined the term in his 1981 PhD thesis. This laid the groundwork for modern distributed systems, allowing seamless interaction between different machines.

In the 1980s, RPC gained prominence with Sun Microsystems' development of the Open Network Computing (ONC) RPC, released in 1988 as part of their Network File System (NFS). This standardization helped RPC become a cornerstone of client-server architectures, enabling file sharing and resource access across networks. Over time, RPC evolved to support various implementations, such as DCE/RPC by the Open Software Foundation and XML-RPC in the 1990s. Today, it is integral to microservices and cloud computing, with frameworks like gRPC driving high-performance applications.

How It Works

RPC operates by marshaling data, transmitting it over a network, and unmarshaling it on the receiving end, all while hiding complexity from the programmer.

Key Point 1: Client-Server Interaction: The process begins when a client program calls a remote procedure as if it were local. The RPC system serializes (marshals) the call parameters into a network message, often using formats like Protocol Buffers or JSON. For example, gRPC uses Protocol Buffers by default, which can reduce message size by up to 30% compared to JSON, improving efficiency in high-traffic systems.
Key Point 2: Stub Generation: Stubs act as proxies that handle the communication details. The client stub sends the marshaled request to the server stub via a transport protocol like TCP/IP. On the server side, the stub unmarshals the data, invokes the actual procedure, and returns the result. This abstraction allows developers to focus on logic rather than networking, with tools like protoc (Protocol Buffer compiler) automating stub creation.
Key Point 3: Synchronous and Asynchronous Models: RPC can be synchronous, where the client waits for a response, blocking execution until the server replies. Alternatively, asynchronous RPC allows non-blocking calls, enabling better scalability in distributed systems. Modern frameworks like gRPC support both modes, with asynchronous streaming capable of handling thousands of concurrent connections, crucial for real-time applications.
Key Point 4: Error Handling and Security: RPC includes mechanisms for error detection, such as timeouts and retries, to manage network failures. Security features like authentication and encryption (e.g., TLS/SSL) protect data in transit. For instance, gRPC mandates TLS by default, ensuring secure communication in environments like financial services, where data breaches could cost millions.

Key Comparisons

Feature	gRPC (Modern RPC)	XML-RPC (Legacy RPC)
Data Format	Protocol Buffers (binary)	XML (text-based)
Performance	High, with low latency (~1ms per call in optimized setups)	Lower, due to XML parsing overhead (~10ms per call)
Adoption	Widely used in microservices (e.g., by Google, Netflix)	Common in older web services (e.g., early APIs)
Streaming Support	Yes, bidirectional and server/client streaming	No, only request-response model
Security	TLS encryption by default	Often relies on HTTPS, less standardized

Why It Matters

Impact 1: Enables Distributed Systems: RPC is essential for building scalable distributed applications, such as cloud services and microservices architectures. It allows components to communicate across networks, supporting global systems like Google's infrastructure, which handles over 10 billion RPC calls per second. This facilitates resource sharing and load balancing, reducing single points of failure.
Impact 2: Boosts Developer Productivity: By abstracting network complexities, RPC lets developers write code as if all functions are local, speeding up development. Tools like gRPC's code generation can cut integration time by up to 50% in large projects, according to industry surveys. This efficiency is critical in agile environments where rapid deployment is key.
Impact 3: Drives Innovation in IoT and Real-Time Apps: RPC supports low-latency communication in Internet of Things (IoT) devices and real-time applications like video streaming or online gaming. For example, gRPC's streaming capabilities enable continuous data flow in smart home systems, improving responsiveness and user experience.

Looking ahead, RPC will continue to evolve with trends like edge computing and 5G networks, enabling faster, more reliable distributed systems. As frameworks incorporate AI for optimization and quantum-resistant encryption, RPC will remain a backbone of interconnected technologies, shaping the future of digital infrastructure.