containerd/ttrpc

ttrpc is a lightweight RPC framework that provides GRPC-compatible functionality for low-memory environments.

The project addresses the memory overhead of standard GRPC by replacing the underlying protocol stack. Rather than using the net/http, net/http2, and grpc packages, ttrpc implements a custom lightweight framing protocol that reduces both binary size and runtime memory consumption. Developers can use the same protobuf definitions as GRPC, making migration straightforward, though the resulting services are protocol-incompatible with standard GRPC implementations since they do not speak the same wire protocol.

ttrpc suits scenarios where multiple services run on a single machine with constrained memory, such as containerized environments or embedded systems. The tool maintains API parity with GRPC for ease of adoption, using Go's standard context package and offering identical client and server interfaces, unlike GRPC which distinguishes between them. Protobuf code generation is supported through protobuild or protoc directly. The README does not compare ttrpc to alternative RPC frameworks beyond noting its differences from GRPC.

The project maintains an open TODO list that explicitly identifies gaps in testing and error handling verification, indicating active development with acknowledged incomplete coverage. As a containerd sub-project, it operates under the containerd governance model and contributing guidelines rather than as an independent effort.