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Granc

codeberg.org

Free plan Linux
Visit codeberg.org
Spec score 7.7 #15 of 24 in gRPC Tools

What it is

Granc is a free, open-source Linux command-line tool written in Rust for dynamic gRPC calls. It sends JSON payloads without requiring service Protobuf files to be compiled into the client, translating JSON to Protobuf and back at runtime. Using a descriptor, it detects unary, server-streaming, client-streaming, and bidirectional RPCs. Schemas can come from server reflection or a local binary FileDescriptorSet file. Commands list services and describe services, messages, and enums. Granc also creates static Markdown documentation cross-linked between services and types. Requests may include custom headers such as authorization or tracing metadata, and JSON is validated before transmission. The core logic is available as a separate library crate for integration tests, proxies, and automation tools. Installation is documented with cargo install --locked granc. The project has moved to Codeberg, while its GitHub repository was archived on March 9, 2026. It is offered under Apache License 2.0 or MIT. TLS support with configurable roots and client identity is on the roadmap.

Spec sheet

Product
Granc is a lightweight, dynamic gRPC command-line tool written in Rust.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project is offered under either the Apache License 2.0 or the MIT license, at the user’s option.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Distribution
The README gives `cargo install --locked granc` as the installation command.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Documentation
It generates static, cross-linked Markdown documentation for services and types.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Encoding
It transcodes JSON to Protobuf and back at runtime.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Inspection
Its commands list services and describe services, messages, and enums.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
JSON calls
It sends gRPC calls using JSON payloads without compiling the service’s Protobuf files into the client.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Library use
The core logic is available as a separate library crate for building tools such as integration tests, proxies, or automation tools.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Project status
The maker says the project moved to Codeberg; the GitHub repository was archived on March 9, 2026.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Request metadata
Requests can include custom headers such as authorization or tracing metadata.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
RPC modes
It detects unary, server-streaming, client-streaming, and bidirectional calls from the descriptor.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Schema discovery
It can obtain schemas through server reflection or a local binary FileDescriptorSet file.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security limitation
TLS support with configurable root certificates and client identity is listed on the roadmap.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Validation
Granc validates JSON before sending it over the network.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free/open-source software Free No paid plans or usage limits stated Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Granc plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Uses JSON without compiled Protobuf files
  • Detects all listed RPC modes
  • Supports reflection and local descriptors
  • Generates cross-linked Markdown documentation
  • Available as a library crate

Limits

  • TLS support is only on the roadmap
  • Linux is the listed platform
  • GitHub repository was archived
  • No paid plans or usage limits are stated

Who it suits

Granc suits Linux users who need JSON-driven gRPC inspection, calls, documentation, or reusable library logic. It is self-hosted and useful for testing, proxy, and automation tooling.

Verdict

Granc provides descriptor-driven gRPC calls and inspection from a Linux terminal, with both CLI and library forms. Its missing TLS implementation is the main stated roadmap limitation.

Where Specifiction places it

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