Invoking protoc from a specified path

[netofontes]

I'm curious why calling protoc binary from a specified path (perhaps via env variable?) is not yet implemented in protobuf-parse/src/protoc/command.rs. This would enable invoking protoc from an arbitrary path, which is especially important in environments where installing tools into PATH is not feasible (e.g: CI/CD, restricted containers, or corporate environments).

Is there a particular blocker to supporting this? Is there a planned timeline for adding it?

This feature would significantly increase flexibility. Please advise on any current progress or plans 🙂

[stepancheg]

Hello!

You can specify custom protoc path here https://docs.rs/protobuf-parse/latest/protobuf_parse/struct.Parser.html#method.protoc_path

Custom protoc can be installed with dotslash https://dotslash-cli.com/ this is how things are done in Meta and in the company I work for now — dotslash file is just committed to the repository.

Another option is to use protoc-bin-vendored crate.

There's also an option to use pure-rust parser, without dependency on protoc binary. But less reliabile.

Overall, there are no plans to do anything. This project is approaching end of line, while replacement implementation https://docs.rs/protobuf/4.33.0-release/protobuf/index.html is going to be released soon by Google.