struct-interface

Guide Go struct and interface design patterns for maintainable APIs.

Updated Aug 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/meriley/claude-code-skills --skill struct-interface
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: struct-interface
Source: https://github.com/meriley/claude-code-skills/tree/main/skills/claude-skills-go/struct-interface
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/meriley/claude-code-skills --skill struct-interface

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you write cleaner, more maintainable, and testable Go code by establishing best practices for struct and interface design, ensuring proper abstraction, embedding, and composition.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • API Design: Learn how to accept interfaces and return structs for robust API boundaries.
  • Code Review: Identify anti-patterns in interface definitions and type hierarchies.
  • Testability: Understand how consumer-defined interfaces improve mockability.
  • Use Case: When designing a new service, use this Skill to ensure your data access layer is built with clear, small interfaces that can be easily mocked for unit testing.

Quick Start

Review the Go struct and interface design patterns for building maintainable APIs.

Frequently Asked Questions about struct-interface

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I design Go interfaces for better testability and maintainability?▼

To design Go interfaces for maintainability, define small, consumer-defined interfaces with single methods to improve mockability and reduce coupling. This approach ensures your API boundaries accept interfaces and return structs, making the codebase significantly easier to test and maintain.

What is the best way to use struct embedding for composition in Go?▼

The best way to use struct embedding for composition in Go is to embed structs directly to reuse fields and methods without inheritance. This pattern promotes code reuse and flattens object structures while maintaining a clear hierarchy for maintainable API design.

Why does Go recommend accepting interfaces and returning structs?▼

Accepting interfaces and returning structs in Go creates robust API boundaries by allowing internal implementation details to change without breaking external callers. Interfaces define what dependencies your function needs, while returning structs provides concrete, ready-to-use data.

How do I verify Go interface satisfaction at compile time?▼

Verify Go interface satisfaction at compile time by assigning a variable of the concrete type to a blank interface variable, triggering a build error if the contract is unmet. This prevents runtime failures and ensures your structs adhere strictly to design patterns.

When should I use type definitions versus aliases in Go?▼

Use type definitions in Go to create distinct new types that require explicit conversion, ensuring type safety in API design. Use type aliases when you need an alternate name that is fully interchangeable with the original type without any conversion overhead.

Can I create nil-safe methods on Go structs?▼

Yes, you can create nil-safe methods on Go structs by explicitly checking for nil receivers at the start of the method body. This prevents runtime panics when a method is called on an uninitialized struct pointer, increasing overall overall robustness.