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golang-structs-interfaces

Design Go structs and interfaces with type-system rules for maintainability.

4|Updated May 17, 2026
Search Tags:#interfaces#go#dependency injection#generics#type assertions#structs#serialization tags
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/hellopoisonx/aim --skill golang-structs-interfaces-hellopoisonx
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: golang-structs-interfaces
Source: https://github.com/hellopoisonx/aim/tree/main/skills/golang-structs-interfaces
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/hellopoisonx/aim --skill golang-structs-interfaces-hellopoisonx

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Helps you design Go structs and interfaces that stay maintainable and testable by applying proven rules for interface boundaries, embedding, type assertions, and serialization tags.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Interface design for maintainability: keep interfaces small (1–3 methods) and define them where they are consumed to preserve consumer control.
  • Constructor return conventions: accept dependencies as interfaces for flexibility, but return concrete types (never interfaces) from constructors for clarity.
  • Robust type-handling: use compile-time interface checks, safe comma-ok type assertions, type switches, and optional capabilities via type assertions instead of forcing all callers to implement extra methods.
  • Struct design correctness: make zero values useful via lazy initialization, prefer generics over any for type-safe operations, keep receiver types consistent, and prevent accidental copying with the noCopy sentinel.
  • Embedding with intent: embed only when you want to expose the full inner API (“is a”), and use named fields when the dependency is internal (“has a”).
  • Use cases: designing/implementing Go packages, refactoring existing type systems, reviewing interface/receiver/tag practices, and answering guidance questions like “accept interfaces, return structs” or “compile-time interface checks”.

Quick Start

Ask an AI to review your Go type and interface design decisions, including embedding vs named fields, interface placement, constructor signatures, type assertion safety, and struct tagging conventions.

Frequently Asked Questions about golang-structs-interfaces

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

FAQPage Schema
What does "accept interfaces, return structs" mean in Go?▼

Accept interfaces, return structs is a Go design rule where constructors take dependencies as small interfaces for flexibility but return concrete struct types for clarity. This prevents unnecessary abstraction while keeping components testable and maintainable.

How do I design small Go interfaces for better maintainability?▼

To design maintainable Go interfaces, keep them small with 1–3 methods and define them where they are consumed. This consumer-defined contract approach preserves caller control and prevents tight coupling across package boundaries.

When should I use embedding vs named fields in Go structs?▼

Use struct embedding only when you want to expose the full inner API as an "is a" relationship. Use named fields when the dependency is internal, representing a "has a" relationship to keep the inner API private and controlled.

How do I perform safe type assertions and optional capability detection in Go?▼

Safe type assertions in Go use the comma-ok pattern to check if a type implements an interface. This enables optional capability detection without forcing all callers to implement extra methods, alongside compile-time interface checks and type switches.

How do I make Go struct zero values useful and prevent accidental copying?▼

Make Go struct zero values useful through lazy initialization patterns. Prevent accidental copying of structs containing mutexes or locks by embedding a noCopy sentinel type, which triggers static analysis warnings during compilation.

Should I use Go generics or the `any` type for type-safe operations?▼

Prefer Go generics over the `any` type for type-safe operations. Generics enforce compile-time type constraints without requiring runtime type assertions, keeping receiver semantics consistent and reducing boilerplate across service codebases.

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