Value receivers in Go - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a value receiver in Go methods?

A value receiver is when a method has a receiver argument that is a copy of the value, not a pointer. Changes inside the method do not affect the original value.

beginner

How does a value receiver differ from a pointer receiver?

A value receiver works on a copy of the value, so it cannot modify the original. A pointer receiver works on the original value via its memory address, allowing modifications.

intermediate

Can value receivers be used with both pointer and non-pointer values when calling methods?

Yes. When a method has a value receiver, you can call it on both pointer and non-pointer values. Go automatically handles the conversion.

intermediate

Why might you choose a value receiver over a pointer receiver?

Use value receivers when the method does not need to modify the original value and the value is small or cheap to copy, like basic types or small structs.

beginner

What happens if you modify a field inside a method with a value receiver?

Modifications affect only the copy inside the method. The original value outside the method remains unchanged.

What does a value receiver method receive in Go?

A A reference to the value

B A pointer to the value

C A copy of the value

D A global variable

A value receiver method receives a copy of the value, not a pointer or reference.

If you change a field inside a value receiver method, what happens to the original value?

A It changes

B It stays the same

C It causes an error

D It becomes nil

Changes inside a value receiver method affect only the copy, so the original value stays the same.

Can you call a value receiver method on a pointer to a struct?

A Only if the method is exported

B No, it causes a compile error

C Only if you use * operator

D Yes, Go converts automatically

Go automatically converts pointer to value when calling a value receiver method.

When is it better to use a value receiver?

A When the method does not modify the receiver and the value is small

B When you want to modify the original value

C When the value is very large

D When you want to share data between goroutines

Value receivers are good for small values and when no modification is needed.

Which of these is true about value receivers?

A They receive a copy and cannot modify the original

B They receive a pointer and can modify the original

C They always cause slower performance

D They can only be used with basic types

Value receivers get a copy and cannot change the original value.

Explain what a value receiver is and how it behaves when modifying fields inside its method.

Think about how changes inside the method affect the original variable.

Describe when you would choose a value receiver instead of a pointer receiver in Go methods.

Consider the size of the value and whether you want to change it.