Short variable declaration in Go - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is short variable declaration in Go?

It is a way to declare and initialize a variable in one step using := instead of var and =.

beginner

How do you declare a variable named count with value 10 using short variable declaration?

You write count := 10. This creates and sets count to 10.

intermediate

Can you use short variable declaration outside functions in Go?

No, short variable declaration (:=) can only be used inside functions, not at package level.

intermediate

What happens if you use := with a variable name that already exists in the same scope?

If at least one new variable is declared, it reuses existing variables and declares new ones. If none are new, it causes a compile error.

beginner

Why is short variable declaration useful?

It makes code shorter and easier to read by combining declaration and initialization in one step.

Which symbol is used for short variable declaration in Go?

A ->

B =

C :=

D ==

The := symbol declares and initializes a variable in one step inside functions.

Where can you use short variable declaration in Go?

A At package level only

B Inside functions only

C Anywhere in the code

D Only in main function

Short variable declaration is allowed only inside functions, not at package level.

What happens if you write x := 5 when x already exists in the same scope?

A It causes a compile error if no new variables are declared

B It declares a new variable x and shadows the old one

C It updates the value of x

D It ignores the statement

If no new variables are declared with :=, Go throws a compile error.

Which of these is a correct short variable declaration?

A a = 10

B var a := 10

C a =: 10

D a := 10

The correct syntax is a := 10 without the var keyword.

Why might you prefer short variable declaration over var with = ?

A It combines declaration and initialization in one step

B It is longer but clearer

C It works outside functions

D It allows redeclaring variables globally

Short variable declaration is concise and combines declaration and initialization.

Explain how short variable declaration works in Go and when you can use it.

Think about where you write := and what it does.

Describe what happens if you try to use := with only existing variables in the same scope.

Consider Go's rules for redeclaring variables with :=