Why Does Go Compilation Issue Errors for Unused Variables?

Unused Variable Detection in Go Compilation

In Go, the compiler (gc) enforces a strict policy against declaring variables without using them. When a variable is declared but not assigned or referenced anywhere in the code, the compiler issues a compilation error: "declared and not used." This behavior differs from most other languages that only issue warnings for unused variables.

Avoiding the Error:

To avoid the "declared and not used" error, the simplest solution is to assign the declared variable to a value, even if it is not immediately used. For instance, in your example:

cwd, _ := os.Getwd();

Assigning _ to error signifies that you are intentionally not using the error value.

Disabling the Error:

Although it is not recommended, you can disable the "declared and not used" error by using compiler flags. However, it's crucial to keep this error enabled as it helps identify potential errors or unused code. Additionally, there is no option to explicitly delete or suppress this specific error.

Best Practice:

It is best practice to keep the unused variable error enabled to prevent unintentional mistakes or unused code. This helps maintain code clarity and efficiency. If a variable is truly not needed, it's advisable to not declare it in the first place.

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