Methods in Golang

Go methods are like functions but with a key difference: they have a receiver argument, which allows access to the receiver's properties. The receiver can be a struct or non-struct type, but both must be in the same package. Methods cannot be created for types defined in other packages, including built-in types like int or string; otherwise, the compiler will raise an error.

Example:

Name: a
Age: 25

Syntax

func(receiver_name Type) method_name(parameter_list) (return_type) { 
// Code
}

• Receiver: Can be accessed within the method.

Methods with Struct Type Receiver

In Go, you can define a method where the receiver is of a struct type. The receiver is accessible inside the method. The previous example showcases this approach with a struct type receiver.

Methods with Non-Struct Type Receiver

Go also allows methods with non-struct type receivers, as long as the receiver's type and method definition are present in the same package. You cannot define a method with a receiver type from another package (e.g., int, string).

Example:

Using the same example above, we can demonstrate a method with a non-struct receiver:

Square of 4 is 16

Methods with Pointer Receiver

In Go, methods can have pointer receivers. This allows changes made in the method to reflect in the caller, which is not possible with value receivers.

Syntax:

func (p *Type) method_name(...Type) Type { // Code}

Example:

Before: a
After: b

Methods Accepting Both Pointer and Value

Unlike functions, Go methods can accept both value and pointer receivers. You can pass either a pointer or a value, and the method will handle it accordingly.

Example:

After pointer method: b
Name: b

Difference Between Method and Function