An init function runs automatically when its package is initialized. Importing a package executes its init functions once, even when multiple packages import it. section 10.1.1
A blank import uses a package for its side effects without referring to its package name. This pattern lets a driver register itself before the application uses database/sql. section 10.1.1
Registering an SQLite driver
package sqlite import ( _ "modernc.org/sqlite" ) The imported driver defines init, which calls sql.Register("sqlite", newDriver()). The database/sql package stores the driver in its registry, making it available to later database operations.
Use init functions deliberately:
- Reserve them for rare cases such as global registry setup. section 10.1.1
- Prefer explicit initialization when maintainability and execution clarity matter. section 10.6
