Compare Avro, JSON, and Protobuf in terms of schema evolution and payload efficiency in Kafka.

• A. JSON is binary with schema embedded; Avro is text-based; Protobuf is not compatible.
• B. Avro and Protobuf are binary with schema embedded/registry; Avro supports backward/forward compatibility; JSON is text-based and easier to read but heavier; Protobuf is compact and fast to serialize/deserialize.
• C. Protobuf is text-based; Avro is binary.
• D. All three have identical payload efficiency.

Answer: (B)