Protobuf major version 6 support

[bdraco]

We would like to update to protobuf 6 as soon as it comes out via home-assistant/core#137736 since protocolbuffers/protobuf@9e44913 fixes a performance issue.

Is it possible to make this library compatible ahead of the release? https://github.com/protocolbuffers/protobuf/releases/tag/v30.0-rc2

[parthea]

According to the release cadence for Protobuf, major releases are expected in Q1, which means we should expect the formal release of 6.x any day now. Tests are currently passing with 6.30.0rc1 and 6.30.0rc2, and we will continue monitoring future release candidates of Protobuf, so we are on track to update to Protobuf 6 as soon as it comes out. It terms of allowing Protobuf 6.x prior to the formal release, there is a risk that breaking changes in 6.x are still allowed until the formal release is published. If we were to allow Protobuf 6.x, ahead of the formal release, and bug fixes are needed, this could impact downstream users.

[bdraco]

Thanks for the quick response. No worries about allowing it before it's released, I was only hoping this library would be released with support shortly after the protobuf release. Apologizes for the lack of clarity there.

It sounds like it's on track to be the case and it won't be a blocker. Thanks again!