golang-code-style

Files (3)

• SKILL.md
• evals.json · evals/
• details.md · references/

SKILL.md (first lines)

> **Community default.** A company skill that explicitly supersedes `samber/cc-skills-golang@golang-code-style` skill takes precedence.

# Go Code Style

Style rules that require human judgment — linters handle formatting, this skill handles clarity. For naming see [golang-naming](../golang-naming/SKILL.md); for design patterns see [golang-design-patterns](../golang-design-patterns/SKILL.md); for struct/interface design see [golang-structs-interfaces](../golang-structs-interfaces/SKILL.md).

> "Clear is better than clever." — Go Proverbs

When ignoring a rule, add a comment to the code.

## Line Length & Breaking

No rigid line limit, but lines beyond ~120 characters MUST be broken. Break at **semantic boundaries**, not arbitrary column counts. Function calls with 4+ arguments MUST use one argument per line — even when the prompt asks for single-line code:

```go
// Good — each argument on its own line, closing paren separate
mux.HandleFunc("/api/users", func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
    handleUsers(
        w,
        r,
        serviceName,
        cfg,
        logger,
        authMiddleware,
    )
})
```

When a function signature is too long, the real fix is often **fewer parameters** (use an options struct) rather than better line wrapping. For multi-line signatures, put each parameter on its own line.

## Variable Declarations

SHOULD use `:=` for non-zero values, `var` for zero-value initialization. The form signals intent: `var` means "this starts at zero."

```go
var count int              // zero value, set later
name := "default"          // non-zero, := is appropriate
var buf bytes.Buffer       // zero value is ready to use
```

### Slice & Map Initialization

Slices and maps MUST be initialized explicitly, never nil. Nil maps panic on write; nil slices serialize to `null` in JSON (vs `[]` for empty slices), surprising API consumers.

```go
users := []User{}                       // always initialized
m := map[string]int{}                   // always initialized
users := make([]User, 0, len(ids))      // preallocate when capacity is known
m := make(map[string]int, len(items))   // preallocate when size is known
```

Do not preallocate speculatively — `make([]T, 0, 1000)` wastes memory when the common case is 10 items.

### Composite Literals

Composite literals MUST use field names — positional fields break when the type adds or reorders fields:

```go
srv := &http.Server{
    Addr:         ":8080",
    ReadTimeout:  5 * time.Second,
    WriteTimeout: 10 * time.Second,
}
```

## Control Flow

### Reduce Nesting

Errors and edge cases MUST be handled first (early return). Keep the happy path at minimal indentation:

```go
func process(data []byte) (*Result, error) {
    if len(data) == 0 {
        return nil, errors.New("empty data")
    }

    parsed, err := parse(data)
    if err != nil {
        return nil, fmt.Errorf("parsing: %w", err)
    }

    return transform(parsed), nil
}
```

### Eliminate Unnecessary `else`

When the `if` body ends with `return`/`break`/`continue`, the `else` MUST be dropped. Use default-then-override for simple assignments — assign a default, then override with independent conditions or a `switch`:

```go
// Good — default-then-override with switch (cleanest for mutually exclusive overrides)
level := slog.LevelInfo
switch {
case debug:
    level = slog.LevelDebug
case verbose:
    level = slog.LevelWarn
}

// Bad — else-if chain hides that there's a default
if debug {
    level = slog.LevelDebug
} else if verbose {
    level = slog.LevelWarn
} else {
    level = slog.LevelInfo
}
```

### Complex Conditions & Init Scope

When an `if` condition has 3+ operands, MUST extract into named booleans — a wall of `||` is unreadable and hides business logic. Keep expensive checks inline for short-circuit benefit. [Details](./references/details.md)

```go
// Good — named booleans make intent clear
isAdmin := user.Role == RoleAdmin
isOwner := resource.OwnerID == user.ID
isPublicVerified := resource.IsPublic && user.IsVerified

From paulohgodinho/skills, MIT.

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