Can Go Create Methods Dynamically at Runtime?

Dynamic Method Creation in Go

In Go, the reflect.MakeFunc function allows us to create functions dynamically. However, when working with methods (functions with receivers), a natural question arises: Is it possible to create a method at runtime?

The answer is no. This limitation stems from the way Go's type system operates. Go performs type checking at compile time, and if a type's method set were to change dynamically, it would require runtime interface-implementation checks for every function call involving interface arguments.

Nevertheless, a workaround exists. By forking the reflect package, we can create a value that represents a method attached to a given type. While this approach doesn't alter the type's method set, it offers a way to emulate method creation at runtime.

Alternatively, we can swap method pointers on an object. Unlike Java, Go doesn't use virtual method dispatch tables in concrete values. However, by manipulating the itab field of a reflect.nonEmptyInterface value, we can effectively rewire method invocations for that object.

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