The descriptor.proto is the proto that describes proto files. This supports that Java and C++ reflection language feature and is required to be part of the java library.
descriptor.proto is located at protobuf-2.4.1/src/google/protobuf/ descriptor.proto (with the C++ code) Please see the file included in the 2.4.1 distribution at protobuf-2.4.1/java/README.txt for instructions on how to properly build / install the java library without maven. I've included the relevant section below: Installation - Without Maven ============================ If you would rather not install Maven to build the library, you may follow these instructions instead. Note that these instructions skip running unit tests. 1) Build the C++ code, or obtain a binary distribution of protoc. If you install a binary distribution, make sure that it is the same version as this package. If in doubt, run: $ protoc --version If you built the C++ code without installing, the compiler binary should be located in ../src. 2) Invoke protoc to build DescriptorProtos.java: $ protoc --java_out=src/main/java -I../src \ ../src/google/protobuf/descriptor.proto 3) Compile the code in src/main/java using whatever means you prefer. 4) Install the classes wherever you prefer. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Protocol Buffers" group. To post to this group, send email to protobuf@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to protobuf+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/protobuf?hl=en.