idiomatic-go

Enforce idiomatic Go practices during code writing and review.

1|Updated Jan 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jamesainslie/go-powers --skill idiomatic-go
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: idiomatic-go
Source: https://github.com/jamesainslie/go-powers/tree/main/skills/idiomatic-go
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jamesainslie/go-powers --skill idiomatic-go

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill guides you to write and review Go code that adheres to Rob Pike’s proverbs, Dave Cheney’s Zen of Go, and Google's style guidance, reducing ambiguity and preventing common anti-patterns.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Enforces concise interfaces, rigorous error handling with context, and safe concurrency patterns.
  • Guides naming, package structure, and documentation to improve readability and maintainability.
  • Use cases include new code creation, code reviews, and refactoring to idiomatic patterns.

Quick Start

Enable the idiomatic-go skill before starting Go work to receive guidance during coding and reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about idiomatic-go

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I write idiomatic Go code that follows community best practices?

Idiomatic Go code applies proven patterns from Rob Pike's proverbs, Dave Cheney's Zen of Go, and Google's style guidance. This skill enforces concise interfaces, rigorous error handling with context, safe concurrency patterns, and clear naming conventions to reduce ambiguity and prevent anti-patterns across new code, refactoring, and peer reviews.

What's the best way to handle errors in Go?

Error handling in Go should be rigorous and contextual rather than silent or generic. This skill guides you to check errors explicitly, wrap them with context, and avoid panic except in truly exceptional cases, improving code reliability and debuggability.

How do I design interfaces correctly in Go?

Effective Go interfaces are concise, focused, and accept interfaces while returning concrete types. This skill enforces small, single-purpose interfaces that promote composition and testability while avoiding bloated or overly broad interface definitions.

Can I use this skill for code reviews and refactoring existing Go projects?

Yes. This skill applies to new code creation, peer reviews, and refactoring work across modules, packages, and APIs. It helps teams standardize idiomatic patterns and catch deviations during review.

What concurrency patterns does this skill recommend?

This skill guides safe concurrency practices aligned with Go's design philosophy: using goroutines and channels appropriately, avoiding race conditions, and preferring clear communication patterns over shared memory, reducing bugs in concurrent systems.

How does naming and package structure impact Go code quality?

Clear naming and logical package organization improve readability and maintainability. This skill enforces conventions for naming functions, types, and packages, and guides documentation practices to make intent explicit and reduce cognitive load.