go-data-structures

Explain Go arrays, slices, maps, and new versus make allocation.

139|17|Updated Jan 27, 2026

Search Tags:#go #maps #data-structures #memory-management #slices #allocation

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/cxuu/golang-skills --skill go-data-structures

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: go-data-structures
Source: https://github.com/cxuu/golang-skills/tree/main/skills/go-data-structures
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cxuu/golang-skills --skill go-data-structures

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

The Skill helps developers understand and apply Go's built-in data structures and allocation primitives (arrays, slices, maps, new, and make) to write clear, memory-efficient code.

Core Features & Use Cases

Allocation patterns: choose between new and make for the appropriate types and understand their zero-value semantics.
Slices, Arrays, and Maps: guidance on creation, manipulation, and common pitfalls like nil vs empty slices and aliasing.
Idiomatic output and constants: printing with fmt and using iota-based constants to produce clean, maintainable code.

Quick Start

Ask the AI to walk through examples of using new vs make with common Go types.

Frequently Asked Questions about go-data-structures

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

What is the difference between new and make in Go for memory allocation?▼

In Go, new allocates and returns a pointer to a zero-valued type, while make initializes and allocates memory for slices, maps, and channels, returning an initialized non-zero value ready for use.

How do I avoid common pitfalls with Go slices and maps like nil vs empty?▼

To avoid pitfalls with Go slices and maps, distinguish between nil and empty collections by understanding their zero-value semantics, aliasing behavior, and using composite literals for proper initialization.

When should I use Go arrays instead of slices in memory management?▼

Use Go arrays instead of slices when you need a fixed-size memory structure, but rely on slices for flexible, dynamic memory management and idiomatic Go program operations.

How do I use iota-based constants for clean code in Go?▼

Use iota-based constants in Go to generate incrementing untyped constants, producing clean, maintainable code for enumerations when combined with formatted output from the fmt package.

Does this Skill explain formatted output with fmt for Go data structures?▼

Yes, it explains using the fmt package for formatted output alongside guidance on applying Go data structures, allocation primitives, and iota-based constants to produce clear code.