Go Parameter Validation: When to Use Errors vs. Panics?

Parameter Validation in Go: Errors vs. Panics

In Go, the practice of parameter validation using error return codes is a topic of debate. Some developers question whether it's considered good practice, and others wonder about the appropriate use of errors versus panics.

Errors vs. Panics

• Errors: Used to indicate internal problems that are typically recoverable by the caller, such as incorrect function arguments or failed database connections.
• Panics: Used to indicate unrecoverable errors that cause the program to terminate, such as invalid memory access or stack overflows.

Guidelines for Parameter Validation

The guidelines for parameter validation in Go are as follows:

• Use errors for parameters that cannot be nil or that must meet specific criteria, such as valid integer ranges.
• Use panics for parameters that violate basic assumptions or that would lead to unrecoverable errors, such as null pointers or invalid array indices.

Benefits of Using Errors

• Explicit error handling: Provides the caller with clear information about the validation failure.
• Testability: Makes it easier to test error handling scenarios.
• Error propagation: Allows errors to be propagated up the call stack for centralized error handling.

Downsides of Using Errors

• Cluttered code: Can lead to a large number of error return statements, making the code less readable.
• Increased verbosity: Requires the caller to handle errors explicitly, which can increase the amount of code written.

Conclusion

Parameter validation using errors is a recommended practice in Go for handling non-recoverable errors. Panics should be used sparingly, only for situations where an immediate and unrecoverable error has occurred. Developers should strive to find a balance between explicit error handling and code readability. By adhering to these guidelines, Go programmers can create robust and maintainable applications.

The above is the detailed content of Go Parameter Validation: When to Use Errors vs. Panics?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!