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Should a pointer to an object of type Receiver be used in the current context?

sobes.tech AI

Answer from AI

In Go, a pointer to an object of type Receiver is usually not needed unless the method modifies the object's state or the object is small in size.

Use a pointer to Receiver when:

  • You need to modify the object's state within the method.
  • The object is large, and you want to avoid copying when calling the method.

If the method only reads data and the object is small, you can use a value (not a pointer).

Example:

func (r *Receiver) UpdateValue(val int) {
    r.value = val // changing state, pointer needed
}

func (r Receiver) PrintValue() {
    fmt.Println(r.value) // read-only, can be without a pointer
}

Thus, the decision depends on whether you need to modify the object and how large it is.