AVRO-EDI

Compact binary serialisation with JSON schema — bandwidth saving.

Definition

Avro 1.11.x supports: binary serialisation with in-band schema or via Schema Registry, schema evolution (added/removed fields with defaults), optional JSON encoding for debug. Native Kafka compatibility via Confluent Schema Registry. Typical volume: 30-50 % smaller than equivalent JSON.

Origin

Created by Doug Cutting in 2009 in the Apache Hadoop project. Standalone since 2011.

Example in context

An edi.invoices Kafka topic Avro-encoded with versioned schema in Apicurio Registry, 40 % saving vs JSON.

Related terms

• Schema registry — related component.
• Protobuf — popular alternative.