Cloud Functions: how to upload additional file for use in code?

Question

I need to get access to protoc file in my code. Locally I just put it in the folder but how to get this file from deployed Firebase functions?

const grpc = require('grpc');
const PROTO_PATH = __dirname + '\\protos\\prediction_service.proto';

exports.helloWorld = functions.https.onRequest((request, response){
    var tensorflow_serving = grpc.load(PROTO_PATH).tensorflow.serving;
...
}

Answer 1

When you are using Firebase Cloud Functions with TypeScript (your code is in functions/src/index.ts), you need to put the additional files in functions/lib

Answer 2

You'd like to upload 3 files to deploy your Cloud Function:

• index.js
• package.json
• prediction_service.proto

In order to do so via the Developer Console, you'll need to:

1. Go to the Google Cloud Developer Console > Cloud Functions > Create Function
2. In the "Source Code" field, choose either:
   • "ZIP upload" and select a zip file including your 3 files,
   • "ZIP from Cloud Storage" and select file location on GCS,
   • "Cloud Source repository" and provide your repo details
3. Fill in the remaining fields and click "Create"

Once deployed, in the source tab for your function you'll see the three files displayed.

Alternatively, you can use gcloud to deploy your files via the following command:

gcloud beta functions deploy <functionName> --source=SOURCE

where source can be a ZIP file on Google Cloud Storage, a reference to source repository or a local filesystem path. I'd recommend to have a look at the doc for this command for full details.

Answer 3

While it is possible to use GCS, it's simple to include files in your source.

1. Put your package.json, index.js (or whatever file is specified in package.json's 'main' field) and other dependent files in a directory.
2. When you create your function, provide that directory including your other files via the ZIP upload or Cloud Source repository.
3. Your other files are available at path.join(__dirname, 'your/path/file.ext')

Answer 4

I find this way the easiest when it comes to Firebase Functions:

1. Put your .proto file into functions folder of your firebase project (where index.js and package.json is located).
2. Deploy your functions as normal with the CLI command firebase deploy --only functions

As you can see here the file is automatically added to the project in the GCP:

And you can access it in your node.js project:

protobuf.load(__dirname + '/schema.proto')