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Go - Pointers (Basics)

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Try it: Create an int, take its address with &, and modify it through the pointer.

Addresses and Dereference

x := 10
p := &x      // p is *int pointing to x
fmt.Println(*p) // 10
a := *p
*p = 20      // modifies x

When to Use

  • To mutate values in called functions.
  • To avoid copying large structs.
  • For methods requiring pointer receivers.
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Common errors

  • Returning pointers to locals is okay in Go (escape analysis); avoid when unnecessary.

Practice

  • Write a function that increments an int via pointer.

Quick quiz

  1. What’s the zero value of a pointer?
Show answer nil.