In Go language, the use of pointers can be reduced by the following methods: 1. Use the value recipient definition method first, if there is no need to modify the receiver status or the structure is small; 2. The factory function returns the structure value instead of the pointer unless there is performance or modification requirement; 3. Use the value type in the structure field to avoid unnecessary pointer fields unless it is necessary to distinguish between "null value" and "unset"; 4. Use an immutable data structure, and use the original object by returning a new instance instead of modifying the original object; 5. If the value type support is required during the interface implementation, the value recipient definition method should be used. These practices help improve code readability, reduce null pointer errors, and enhance maintenance.
In Go, pointers are common and useful language features, but sometimes we want to avoid using them as much as possible to improve the readability of the code, reduce potential null pointer errors, or make the code easier to maintain. If you are also thinking about how to use less or even avoid pointers in Golang, here are some practical suggestions and methods.
1. Use value types instead of pointer receivers first
When defining methods, many people habitually use pointer receivers, such as:
func (p *Person) UpdateName(name string) {
p.Name = name
}But in fact, if you don't need to modify the status of the receiver, or the structure itself is small, you can use the value receiver:
func (p Person) DisplayName() {
fmt.Println(p.Name)
}This not only avoids the use of pointers, but also allows the code to express the intent more clearly: the value recipient means that this method does not modify the original object .
2. Return structure instead of structure pointer
When you define a constructor or factory function, many people will directly return the structure pointer:
func NewPerson(name string) *Person {
return &Person{Name: name}
}But unless you have special reasons (such as performance optimization, needing to modify the structure field, etc.), you can return the structure itself:
func NewPerson(name string) Person {
return Person{Name: name}
}In this way, the caller gets a value and does not need to worry about life cycle or null pointer issues. If a pointer is indeed needed in the future, the caller can get the address by himself.
3. Avoid unnecessary pointer fields
Sometimes we unconsciously define fields in a structure as pointer type, such as:
type User struct {
ID *int
Name *string
}This will cause a lot of trouble, such as constantly determining whether it is nil when accessing the field. Unless you have clear requirements (such as distinguishing between "empty string" and "unset"), it is recommended to use value types directly:
type User struct {
ID int
Name string
} If you do need "nullable" fields, consider using an encapsulation type like sql.NullString instead of using pointers directly.
4. Rationally use immutable data structures
Although Go is not a functional language, you can reduce your dependence on pointers by returning new values instead of modifying the original structure. For example:
func (u User) WithName(name string) User {
u.Name = name
return u
}This way, each call returns a new User instance instead of modifying the original object. Although it will bring some performance overhead, this writing method is safer and clearer in many business scenarios.
5. Pay attention to whether pointer implementation is required when using the interface
In Go, whether a type implements an interface depends on whether the method receiver is a value or a pointer. If you want a structure's value type to implement an interface, you need to use the value receiver to define the method.
For example:
type Speaker interface {
Speak()
}
type Dog struct{}
func (d Dog) Speak() {
fmt.Println("Woof!")
} In this way, the Dog value type can be assigned directly to the Speaker interface. But if the method is defined by the pointer receiver, only *Dog can implement the interface.
Basically that's it. Avoiding pointers does not mean giving up on it altogether, but rather making reasonable choices based on the actual scenario. Many times, using less pointers can make the code simpler, safer, and easier to understand .
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