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I actually don't think it'd be so bad.

Ideally it is capnproto instead of protobuf, but in general the same applies.

It is a _transport_ protocol. You can still write your config or data in any format you like.

you're not getting it. imagine if every single public website today using JSON switches to protobuf, you instantly lost most if not all ability to reverse those sites.

You are assuming websites offer an end user api via json but that's just a side effect, an implementation detail.

All these sites go through an evolution where they start out having open APIs, attracting third party developers, then eating their lunch and closing the APIs. No one in this sub-thread is saying that's desirable. But also nothing you can do can stop them from using something other than JSON.

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