The txtar format is an ingenious way to supply arbitrary files and folder structures to test scripts. We’ll also learn about file management, simulating standard input, and breaking up scripts into phases.
testscript: a DSL for testing CLI tools in Go
The testscript package gives us an easy way to test the behaviour of a Go CLI tool, by executing it as an independent binary. Let’s see how.
So you're ready for green belt? Check your Go skills
If you’re a BIT student, are you ready for your green belt test? If you’re studying independently, check your Go skills and see whether you’d pass this demanding certification.
Flipping the script: a smarter way to test Go binaries
Wouldn’t it be great if we could write tests for our Go CLI tools that are simple as shell scripts? The testscript package lets us do exactly that. Let’s take it for a spin.
Should I buy or should I build?
Pop quiz, hotshot. How much does it cost to build a self-hosted Kubernetes cluster? If you thought the answer was “nothing”, go to the back of the class.
VS Code and Go: some superpowers you might not know
Visual Studio Code is the most popular Go editor, and no wonder: it’s the Batman’s utility belt of editors. Let’s cape up and take a tour of VS Code’s Go superpowers.
Tips for Time Lords
Being a Time Lord isn't about which planet you're born on, or whether you can regenerate. You don't even need a sonic screwdriver. All you need to do is think effectively, and do the right things, in the right way, at the right time. Here’s how.
An API client in Go
The internet is very big, and a vast ocean of network resources lies undiscovered before us. Let's dip a hook into that ocean now and see what we can catch with an API client in Go.
A reality check about cloud native DevOps
Wojtek Cichoń from Semaphore speaks with John about how adopting DevOps destroys walls, builds bridges, and influences company cultures for the better.
Scripting with Go
The Unix shell is pure wizardry. Why shouldn’t it be as easy to write systems programs in Go as it is in the shell? The script library is the secret spell-book that makes this possible.
Don't write clean code, write CRISP code
“Clean code” is so over: all the cool kids are switching to CRISP code. I’ll show you how to achieve it in five catchy, T-shirt-friendly slogans.
Walking with filesystems: Go's new fs.FS interface
The new io/fs package in Go 1.16+ gives us a powerful new way of working with filesystems. Walk with me, then, as we take a tour of the new fs.FS interface and see what it can do.
‘Let's Go Further’ by Alex Edwards
Alex Edwards’s new book Let’s Go Further is both an essential reference for Go developers and a valuable compendium of battle-tested knowledge about using Go in practice. Read my review to learn more.
Night of the Runbooks: a DevOps horror story
Suddenly a harsh beeping jolted Morgan out of their reverie: "Service is CRITICAL". Morgan’s night of terror was about to begin.
Demystifying ‘defer’: automatic cleanup for Go functions
The defer keyword in Go can seem mysterious at first: why do we need it? How do we use it? Let’s explore some common patterns that use defer to build robust, efficient programs by preventing resource leaks.
“What would you say you do here?”
An interview with John on the Retro Time podcast, where we discuss the importance of British accents while consulting and discover how accurate Office Space is.
Don't fear the pointer: understanding pointers in Go
Pointers in Go sound scary, but they’re actually very straightforward. Let’s find out what they are, why we need them, and what to watch out for.
Test-driven development with Go
What is test-driven development (TDD), and how does it work in Go? This friendly tutorial shows you how to build a new Go package from scratch, test-first, step by step. All you need is Go!
CUE is an exciting configuration language
CUE is a new data language, inspired by Go, that promises to make JSON, YAML, and other annoying formats much easier to work with. It features type checking, validation, and an excellent set of tooling.
Introducing Test-Last Development (TLD)
Do you find writing tests hard? Especially writing them first? Don’t let smug Internet thought leaders tell you what to do. Instead, embrace the new software paradigm that lets you just do whatever comes easiest.