go/interface-design

Design lean Go interfaces with consumer-side definitions and concrete return types.

3|1|Updated Feb 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/deandum/claude-resources --skill go-interface-design-deandum
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: go/interface-design
Source: https://github.com/deandum/claude-resources/tree/main/skills/go/interface-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/deandum/claude-resources --skill go-interface-design-deandum

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Go interface design guides developers to create lean, consumer-focused interfaces and prefer concrete return types to improve testability and maintainability.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Small, focused interfaces reduce coupling and enable flexible implementations.
  • Guidance on when to introduce interfaces, how to compose them, and how to evolve APIs safely.
  • Use case: refactor a large interface into smaller, consumer-facing interfaces to simplify testing and composition.

Quick Start

Replace bloated interfaces with small, consumer-facing interfaces and prefer returning concrete types where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about go/interface-design

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I design lean Go interfaces for better testability?

Design lean Go interfaces by creating small, consumer-focused interfaces and preferring concrete return types. This approach reduces coupling, improves maintainability, and enables flexible implementations in Go codebases.

When should I introduce interfaces in Go codebases?

Introduce interfaces in Go when you need to decouple components for testing or composition. Refactoring large interfaces into smaller, consumer-facing abstractions simplifies APIs and ensures compile-time correctness through static checks.

What is the best way to refactor a large Go interface?

The best way to refactor a large Go interface is to split it into smaller, consumer-facing interfaces. Apply interface segregation to reduce coupling, and prefer returning concrete types where possible to simplify testing and composition.

Why do my Go interfaces cause tight coupling?

Go interfaces cause tight coupling when they are bloated and defined on the producer side. Moving to small, consumer-side interfaces and returning concrete types reduces coupling and improves code maintainability.

Can I use generics to improve type safety in Go interface design?

Yes, using generics improves type safety in Go interface design. Combined with consumer-side interfaces and concrete return types, generics help verify correctness at compile time and ensure simple, well-typed APIs.