The go fmt command in the Go programming language is a tool for formatting Go source code files according to the official Go coding style. It is part of the Go toolchain and serves to maintain a consistent and standardized code layout across projects. Below is a more detailed explanation of the go fmt command:
Command Syntax:
# go fmt [package...|file...|directory...]
The primary purpose of go fmt is to automatically reformat Go source code files to adhere to the Go coding conventions. It applies a set of style rules to ensure consistency in formatting, such as indentation, spacing, and other code layout considerations.
Output:
When go fmt is executed, it prints the names of the files that were modified during the formatting process. If no changes are made, no output is produced.
“go fmt” Command Examples
1. Format Go source files in the current directory:
# go fmt
2. Format a specific Go package in your import path ($GOPATH/src):
# go fmt /path/to/package
3. Format the package in the current directory and all subdirectories (note the …):
# go fmt ./...
4. Print what format commands would’ve been run, without modifying anything:
# go fmt -n
5. Print which format commands are run as they are run:
# go fmt -x
Summary
The go fmt command is an essential tool for Go developers, helping maintain a unified and readable codebase. By automatically applying formatting rules, it contributes to a standardized and aesthetically pleasing Go code style.