7 Best-Selling RPC Books Millions Trust

Explore RPC books by Ethan Cerami, John Bloomer, Kasun Indrasiri, and other leading authors—trusted, best-selling guides for RPC developers.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, and RPC development has its share of such trusted guides. As distributed systems and microservices continue reshaping software architecture, mastering RPC protocols remains critical for developers aiming to build seamless, high-performance applications. These seven books have stood the test of time and adoption, offering proven frameworks to navigate the complexities of remote procedure calls.

From Ethan Cerami's clear explanations of XML-RPC and SOAP, to John Bloomer's hands-on programming insights rooted in decades of experience, these works provide authoritative perspectives on RPC's evolving landscape. Kasun Indrasiri and Fiodar Sazanavets bring modern cloud-native and microservices contexts into sharp focus, offering practical guidance for today's distributed applications.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific RPC needs might consider creating a personalized RPC book that combines these validated approaches into a customized learning path.

Best for foundational RPC web services
What makes "Web Services Essentials" stand out is its practical approach to explaining how distributed applications communicate using RPC frameworks like XML-RPC and SOAP. Ethan Cerami guides you through the key technologies that power modern web services, providing Java examples and XML samples that clarify complex interactions. This book has earned long-standing respect among developers seeking to build interoperable applications across different platforms and languages. If you want to understand the nuts and bolts of web service protocols and start creating your own services with confidence, this resource offers a well-structured path through the evolving landscape of RPC-based distributed computing.
2002·304 pages·XML, RPC, Web Services, Distributed Systems, Java Programming

Ethan Cerami’s experience as a software developer shines through in this focused guide to web services, aiming to demystify the complexities of distributed applications for you. The book breaks down core technologies like XML-RPC, SOAP, UDDI, and WSDL, equipping you with concrete skills to create interoperable, cross-platform services using Java tools. For example, Cerami provides clear Java tutorials alongside sample XML documents that reveal how different systems communicate seamlessly over the internet. This is a solid choice if you want to grasp the foundational protocols behind web services without getting lost in abstraction, especially if you’re working with heterogeneous environments.

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Best for practical RPC programming techniques
John Bloomer currently develops network multimedia and imaging applications for GE's Signal and Image Coding R&D group. He has experience designing VLSI chips and automation tools and has developed hardware and software for graphics and signal processing systems. His deep background in distributed computing programming informs this book, which offers a clear, example-driven approach to mastering RPC. Bloomer's expertise makes this an authoritative guide for understanding and applying remote procedure calling in software development.
Power Programming with RPC book cover

by John Bloomer··You?

1992·518 pages·RPC, Distributed Computing, Network Programming, Software Development, RPC Implementation

The methods John Bloomer developed while working at GE's Signal and Image Coding R&D group come through vividly in this book, which demystifies remote procedure calling (RPC) by breaking down complex concepts into accessible programming examples. You gain a solid grasp of how RPC enables distributed computing by managing data exchange across networked computers, with detailed coverage of Sun RPC and UNIX interprocess communication mechanisms. Chapters walk you through foundational ideas and practical implementation, including debugging and deployment strategies for networked applications. If you're diving into distributed systems development or want to understand how RPC can boost computing power, this book offers a grounded, programmer-focused perspective without fluff.

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Best for tailored RPC solutions
This AI-created book on RPC mastery is written based on your background and specific distributed computing challenges. By sharing your experience level, areas of interest, and project goals, you receive a tailored book that focuses precisely on the RPC methods and strategies most relevant to you. Rather than covering every possible topic, it hones in on what you need to understand and apply, making your learning process more efficient and relevant.
2025·50-300 pages·RPC, Remote Procedure Call, Distributed Computing, Communication Patterns, RPC Protocols

This tailored book explores proven Remote Procedure Call (RPC) methods designed to address your unique distributed computing challenges. It reveals key RPC concepts, communication patterns, and error handling techniques, all matched to your technical background and project goals. Through a personalized approach, it combines widely respected RPC knowledge with your specific interests, enabling focused learning that avoids unnecessary detours. By concentrating on your chosen sub-topics and practical needs, this book examines RPC implementations in various environments, from traditional Sun RPC to modern cloud-native frameworks like gRPC. It offers a clear path through complex RPC topics, helping you deepen your understanding and solve real-world problems efficiently.

Tailored Content
RPC Communication
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for Windows RPC developers
Microsoft RPC Programming Guide stands as a foundational text for anyone seeking to master Microsoft’s approach to Remote Procedure Call technology. The book’s detailed explanation of the Microsoft Interface Definition Language and the Attribute Configuration File reveals how developers can control communications effectively across systems. Its inclusion of four complete examples makes complex concepts accessible, especially for those working with MS-DOS, Windows 3.x, and Windows NT environments. This guide benefits programmers looking to link graphical desktop applications with powerful central systems or those building peer-to-peer solutions, underscoring its enduring relevance in RPC development.
Microsoft RPC Programming Guide book cover

by Ward Rosenberry, John Shirley, Digital Equipment Corporation·You?

1995·254 pages·RPC, Client Server, Interface Definition, Memory Management, Server Binding

The methods Ward Rosenberry and John Shirley developed while working with Microsoft RPC technology provide a clear pathway into the complex world of client-server programming. This guide demystifies the Microsoft RPC API by explaining its core concepts, such as interface definition with MIDL, server-client binding, and memory management, all illustrated through four complete examples. You’ll gain practical knowledge on how to make different systems communicate seamlessly using simple C calls, a skill crucial for integrating desktop interfaces with powerful back-end servers. If you’re involved in Windows-based distributed applications or peer-to-peer systems, this book offers concrete tools and explanations tailored to your needs.

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Best for advanced formal RPC theory
This volume offers an in-depth look at formal systems specification through the RPC-memory problem, a foundational case study in distributed and concurrent system design. It compiles extensive research and discussion from experts who debated and refined their approaches during the 1994 Schloss Dagstuhl workshop, culminating in 15 detailed papers that provide a thorough examination of specification, refinement, and verification techniques. For those working at the intersection of operating systems and hardware design, this book addresses key challenges in formalizing complex system behaviors, making it a valuable reference for software engineers and researchers focused on rigorous system development.
Formal Systems Specification: The RPC-Memory Specification Case Study (Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 1169) book cover

by Manfred Broy, Stephan Merz, Katharina Spies·You?

1996·566 pages·RPC, Formal Specification, Distributed Systems, Concurrency, Verification

Manfred Broy, Stephan Merz, and Katharina Spies bring a rigorous exploration of formal system specification through the lens of the RPC-memory problem, a classic challenge in distributed and concurrent system design. The book dives into detailed comparisons of various formal specification, refinement, and verification methods, using a well-documented case study rooted in operating systems and hardware design. You’ll find deep dives into 15 thoroughly revised papers that dissect the problem from multiple angles, offering insights into how formal methods can be applied to real-world system complexities. This is a resource best suited for those engaged in advanced software development or research who want to understand formal approaches to specifying and verifying distributed systems.

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Best for cloud native RPC implementations
Kasun Indrasiri is a seasoned author and senior program manager at Microsoft Azure Messaging Services, specializing in microservices and cloud native architecture. His extensive background in messaging and integration platforms informs this book, which distills his experience into practical guidance for building gRPC-based applications. Having spoken at major conferences like KubeCon and O'Reilly Software Architecture Conference, Indrasiri brings credibility and insight that connect the dots between theory and real-world cloud development.
2020·202 pages·RPC, Microservices, Cloud Native, Go Programming, Java Programming

Kasun Indrasiri, drawing on his deep expertise as a senior program manager at Microsoft Azure Messaging Services, offers a hands-on exploration of gRPC as a powerful communication tool in microservices architecture. This book guides you through practical examples in Go, Java, Node, and Python, showing how to implement gRPC effectively in cloud native environments using Docker and Kubernetes. You'll gain insight into defining service contracts and data types, essential for building scalable, polyglot services. The emphasis on production-ready techniques makes it especially useful if you're working on microservices or cloud applications and want to integrate high-performance RPC protocols.

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Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on RPC development is crafted based on your programming background and specific learning goals. You share which RPC topics and skill levels interest you most, and the book focuses on delivering exactly the knowledge and practice you need. This personalized approach helps you cut through general content to build your RPC skills quickly and effectively.
2025·50-300 pages·RPC, RPC Basics, Distributed Systems, Network Protocols, Client-Server Models

This tailored book explores a focused 30-day learning plan designed to accelerate your mastery of remote procedure call (RPC) development. It combines popular, validated knowledge with insights that match your background and interests, offering a step-by-step progression through core RPC concepts and practical applications. Each chapter unveils essential techniques for implementing and troubleshooting RPC systems, emphasizing hands-on skills and real-world scenarios. By tailoring content to your specific goals, this book reveals how to efficiently build, deploy, and optimize RPC-based services. The personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with topics that matter most to your development path, making complex distributed systems accessible and manageable.

Tailored Handbook
RPC Skill Accelerator
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for enterprise Java RPC design
This book offers a focused look at designing web services on the J2EE 1.4 platform, drawing directly from the experience of the Java BluePrints team at Sun Microsystems. Its practical approach, illustrated by sample applications and proven design patterns, has made it a go-to resource for developers tackling business-to-business and enterprise application integration. If you're working with J2EE and need to deepen your understanding of RPC, SOAP, and XML within web services, this book provides clear guidance grounded in industry best practices.
Designing Web Services with the J2EE 1.4 Platform: JAX-RPC, SOAP, and XML Technologies (Java (Prentice Hall)) book cover

by Inderjeet Singh, Sean Brydon, Greg Murray, Vijay Ramachandran, Thierry Violleau, Beth Stearns·You?

2011·442 pages·RPC, Web Services, Enterprise Integration, Java Development, J2EE Platform

What started as a mission by the Java BluePrints team at Sun Microsystems evolved into this detailed guide for mastering web services with J2EE 1.4. The authors share their deep expertise to help you design and integrate enterprise-level web services, focusing on JAX-RPC, SOAP, and XML technologies. You’ll learn practical best practices, supported by two sample applications that illustrate key design patterns and integration techniques. This book suits developers working on business-to-business interactions or enterprise application integration who need a solid foundation in the J2EE 1.4 platform’s web service capabilities.

Published by Prentice Hall
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Fiodar Sazanavets is an experienced lead software developer with expertise in ASP.NET, SQL Server, Azure, Docker, IoT, and microservices architecture. His deep knowledge across diverse industries and passion for teaching programming skills uniquely qualify him to guide you through implementing gRPC in .NET. This book distills his practical experience into a detailed resource that will help you build efficient, scalable communication mechanisms for your distributed applications.
2022·486 pages·Microservices, .NET, RPC, Software Development, Protobuf

Drawing from his extensive background as a lead software developer specializing in ASP.NET, Azure, and microservices, Fiodar Sazanavets crafted this guide to clarify the often fragmented documentation around gRPC implementation on the .NET platform. You’ll learn to navigate the nuances of gRPC communication—from basic concepts and Protobuf message translation to advanced topics like securing endpoints and monitoring performance. The book breaks down when gRPC fits best in microservices architectures and offers practical advice on optimizing scalability and efficiency. If you’re a .NET developer working with distributed systems, this book equips you with hands-on knowledge to implement robust, high-performance communication channels.

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Proven RPC Strategies, Personalized for You

Unlock RPC success with expert methods tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Targeted learning paths
Expert-validated content
Efficient skill building

Trusted by thousands of RPC developers worldwide

RPC Mastery Blueprint
30-Day RPC Accelerator
Cloud RPC Foundations
Microservices RPC Blueprint

Conclusion

Together, these seven books reveal clear themes: the importance of practical programming knowledge, the value of understanding foundational RPC protocols, and the benefits of adapting RPC to evolving architectures like cloud-native and microservices. If you prefer proven methods grounded in real-world examples, start with John Bloomer's and Ethan Cerami's works. For validated approaches to modern RPC challenges, combine Kasun Indrasiri's and Fiodar Sazanavets's books.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized RPC book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering RPC's complexities across platforms and frameworks.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Power Programming with RPC" for hands-on programming fundamentals or "Web Services Essentials" if you're focused on web-based RPC protocols. Both offer accessible entry points into RPC concepts.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to RPC?

Not necessarily. Books like "Web Services Essentials" introduce core concepts clearly, while others like "Formal Systems Specification" target advanced readers. Choose based on your experience level.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like "Web Services Essentials" and "Power Programming with RPC," then explore platform-specific guides and advanced topics to deepen your understanding.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Combining classics like Bloomer's with newer works like "gRPC" balances proven principles with modern practices, giving a comprehensive view of RPC today.

Do these books assume I already have experience in RPC?

Some do, such as "Formal Systems Specification," while others like "Microsoft RPC Programming Guide" provide detailed explanations suitable for intermediate developers.

Can I get tailored RPC insights instead of reading all these books?

Yes! While these expert books offer valuable knowledge, creating a personalized RPC book lets you combine proven methods with content matched precisely to your skills and goals.

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