Utilize CMD folder for clear separation of binaries in Go projects.
Avoid excessive use of vendor folder due to advancements in Go's module system.
Identify red flags in project structure for efficient code organization and development workflows.
Deep dives
Project Structure and Main Packages in Go Projects
Project structure in Go projects plays a crucial role in organizing code effectively. The CMD folder is utilized to separate binaries and create distinct directories based on the intended binaries, facilitating a clear separation between different aspects of the project. While having separate binaries controlled by CMD can be beneficial, the inability to import Maine can pose challenges when wanting to test multiple binaries. Despite minor inconveniences, structuring the project with a clear division between binaries and other packages remains a common practice.
Vendor Folder and Dependency Management in Go Projects
The vendor folder, historically important for dependency management, has become less prominent with the advent of modules. While still relevant in specific scenarios like integrating private repositories or ensuring complete deployment, the use of the vendor folder is generally avoided in modern open-source projects due to the advancements in Go's module system, simplifying dependency management for developers.
Recognizing Signs of Inefficient Project Structure
Identifying signs of an inappropriate project structure is crucial for maintaining code organization. Common red flags include excessive reliance on the vendor folder without a clear use case, repetitive structural issues that hinder development efficiency, and the necessity for clear signals of when the structure is no longer serving its intended purpose. Understanding these indicators allows developers to adapt the project structure to better suit their requirements and optimize development workflows.
Effective Code Design Signals
Efficient package design and code cohesion are crucial for effective code changes. Monitoring signals like the blast radius of changes and lack of code cohesion can indicate areas that need improvement. Focusing on code locality and clear folder structures can enhance code navigation and change management.
Optimizing Code Structure
Critique of Go language features like channels and interfaces signal the importance of thoughtful code structuring. Prefer composition over inheritance and avoid overusing channels. Engaging with past architecture patterns can provide valuable insights for enhancing code structure. Practical understanding and adaptation of historical concepts can lead to better code development practices.
Return guests Ben Johnson & Chris James join Mat & Kris to talk about the files and folders of your Go projects, big and small. Does the holy grail exist, of the perfect structure to rule them all? Or are we doomed to be figuring this out for the rest of our lives?
Changelog++ members save 3 minutes on this episode because they made the ads disappear. Join today!
Sponsors:
Fastly – Our bandwidth partner. Fastly powers fast, secure, and scalable digital experiences. Move beyond your content delivery network to their powerful edge cloud platform. Learn more at fastly.com
Fly.io – The home of Changelog.com — Deploy your apps and databases close to your users. In minutes you can run your Ruby, Go, Node, Deno, Python, or Elixir app (and databases!) all over the world. No ops required. Learn more at fly.io/changelog and check out the speedrun in their docs.