Pointer receiver
A pointer receiver is a method receiver whose parameter is a pointer to a value, allowing the method to access or modify that value.
100 Go Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A pointer receiver is a Go method receiver declared as a pointer, so the method can observe or modify the value referenced by that pointer.
- How it is used
- Guides method receiver choice when mutation, copying, object size, or later observation of state matters.
- How deep it goes
- Explains copied pointers, mutation, nil receivers, and deferred receiver evaluation; defers thorough values-versus-pointers performance treatment.
- Examples
- Contrasts balance updates of 100 versus 150, a nil pointer returned as an error, and deferred prints of `foo` versus `bar`.
- What you can do after
- Diagnose/debug with it when a method fails to mutate its receiver or a deferred call observes an unexpected value.
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Learn Go with Pocket-Sized Projects
A pointer receiver is a method receiver whose parameter points to the receiver value, allowing method operations to access the original value.
- How it is used
- Attaches behavior to a struct while allowing method operations to work through the original value.
- How deep it goes
- Defines receiver syntax, demonstrates invocation, and gives consistency guidance without detailing method-set internals.
- Examples
- Uses a terminal word game’s `Game.Play` method and a currency converter’s `Decimal.String` implementation.
- What you can do after
- Build it from scratch by declaring pointer-receiver methods and calling them on constructor-returned pointers.
Read how Learn Go with Pocket-Sized Projects explains pointer receiver →
Related concepts
- value receivercontrasts with · A value receiver is a method receiver declared as a non-pointer value, causing the method to operate on a copy of the receiver.
- receiverkind of · A receiver is an entity that accepts a message or signal, or an object on which a method or command operates.
- referenceuses · A reference is an indirect value or relationship that identifies or provides access to another value, object, resource, or source.
- io.Writercontrasts with · io.Writer is a Go interface whose Write method accepts a byte sequence and returns the number of bytes written and any error.
- methoduses · A method is a callable operation associated with an object or type and invoked through that association.
- missing valueused by · A missing value is a marker or condition indicating that an expected data value or reference is absent, unavailable, unknown, or inapplicable.
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