Go Programming Language For Dummies

Chapter 5

Grouping Code into Functions

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding how to define a function

Creating anonymous functions

In programming, you often organize blocks of statements into logical groups called functions. Functions allow you to break down a complex task into smaller, more manageable units. They also make it easier for you to reuse your code.

In this chapter, I show you how to write functions in Go, starting from the basics, right up to the more abstract concept known as anonymous functions. I also explain how you can use anonymous functions to implement closures.

Defining a Function

To define a function, you use the func keyword, together with the function name, like this:

package main import ( "fmt" "time") func displayDate() { fmt.Println(time.Now().Date())}

In this example, displayDate() is a function that takes in no argument and returns no value. It basically displays the current date. To call the function, simply call its name followed by a pair of parentheses:

func main() { displayDate()}

When you run the program, it prints out the current date:

2020 October 26

And now you know what day I wrote this text!

Defining functions with parameters

A function can accept arguments, which you pass to the function when you call it. Here's how you can add a parameter ...