How Can I Avoid Tedious Nil Error Checking in Go?

Avoiding Repetitive Nil Error Checking in Go

In Go, it is common practice to check for errors at the end of each function call, as seen in the following example:

a, err := doA()
if err != nil {
  return nil, err
}
b, err := doB(a)
if err != nil {
  return nil, err
}
c, err := doC(b)
if err != nil {
  return nil, err
}

While this approach ensures that errors are handled properly, it can become cumbersome and repetitive, especially if the error checking code takes up more lines than the actual logic.

Addressing the Issue

There are several ways to address this issue:

1. Embrace the Repetition

Some programmers argue that the repetition is not a major inconvenience and serves as a valuable reminder of potential error handling paths.

2. Benefits of Error Checking

In contrast to exceptions, the explicit error checking in Go forces developers to consider error paths upfront, ensuring that resource management is handled appropriately.

3. Consider Panic/Recover

In certain contexts, panic and recover can be used to unwind recursive logic, but it is recommended to use this sparingly.

4. Code Reorganization

Reorganizing the code structure can sometimes reduce the need for repetitive error checking.

err := doA()
if err != nil {
  return err
}
return doB()

5. Named Results (Discouraged)

Using named results to remove the err variable from return statements can compromise code clarity and create potential issues.

6. Statement Before If Condition

Go if statements accept statements before the condition, allowing for inline error checking:

if err := doA(); err != nil {
  return err
}

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