Go generate
go generate is a Go command that executes source-generation directives embedded in Go source files to produce source code or other files.
Go in Practice, Second Edition
go generate is a Go command that executes source-code generation directives embedded in Go files.
- How it is used
- Runs source-file directives that generate repetitive, type-safe Go declarations when generics are not applicable or reflection is undesirable.
- How deep it goes
- Works through directive syntax, a template-based generator, generated queue usage, and shell commands.
- Examples
- Uses an echo directive and a typed queue generator that writes a `_queue.go` file.
- What you can do after
- Build it from scratch as a template-based queue generator and run `go generate` before compiling its output.
Read how Go in Practice, Second Edition explains go generate →
Learn Go with Pocket-Sized Projects
go generate is a Go command that executes source-code generation directives found in comments.
- How it is used
- Automates repeatable source generation for Go projects, especially gRPC APIs defined with Protocol Buffers.
- How deep it goes
- Explains directives, shell wildcard limitations, command placement, and output paths, but stops short of general generator design.
- Examples
- Uses generate.go, protoc commands, *.proto inputs, source-relative paths, and a generated project tree.
- What you can do after
- Operate/configure repeatable gRPC code generation through a documented //go:generate directive or maintained build command.
Read how Learn Go with Pocket-Sized Projects explains go generate →
Related concepts
- code generationuses · Code generation is the production of program code by transforming inputs such as specifications, models, templates, or existing representations.
- go:generate directiveconfigured by · A go:generate directive is a specially formatted Go source comment that specifies a command for go generate to execute.
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