Dive into a comprehensive crash course on Protocol Buffers (Protobuf), a powerful method for serializing structured data. Learn how to build an application using both JSON and Protobuf, comparing their performance and characteristics. Explore the process of writing .proto files, using the protoc compiler, and implementing Protobuf structures in your code. Gain insights into the benefits of Protobuf, including its schema-based approach, compact binary size, and language neutrality. Examine the potential drawbacks, such as the learning curve for small applications and compatibility challenges with JSON-based systems. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a solid understanding of when and how to leverage Protocol Buffers in your projects, along with practical coding experience.