go-code-style

# Go Code Style `gofmt` handles the mechanical layout. This skill covers the decisions a formatter cannot make: where to break complexity, when to invert an `if`, when a `switch` beats an `else if` chain, and how to pick value vs pointer arguments. The rule of thumb is the Go Proverb: **clear is better than clever**. ## Core Rules 1. **Run `gofmt`/`goimports`.** No exceptions, no debates. 2. **Handle errors and edge cases first**, return early, keep the happy path at minimum indentation. 3. **Eliminate unnecessary `else`** when the `if` body ends in `return`/`break`/`continue`. 4. **Prefer `switch` over `if`/`else if` chains** that compare the same value. 5. **Initialize slices and maps explicitly**, never let a nil map reach a write. 6. **Pass small values; pass pointers when mutating or when the type is large (~128B+).** ## Style Priority Order Apply in this order when two principles collide. | Priority | Question | Beats | |---|---|---| | 1. Clarity | Can a reader understand intent without extra context? | everything else | | 2. Simplicity | Is this the simplest expression of the idea? | concision, consistency | | 3. Concision | Does every line earn its place? | consistency | | 4. Maintainability | Will this be safe to modify? | consistency | | 5. Consistency | Does it match nearby code? | — | A "consistent" piece of bad code is still bad code. Clarity wins. > Read [references/formatting-and-layout.md](references/formatting-and-layout.md) for line-breaking, multi-l...