When to Choose Between `int/uint` and `int64/uint64` in Go: Performance or Precision?

Performance Optimization: Comparing General Types (int/uint) vs. Specific Types (int64/uint64) in Go

The choice between general integer types (int/uint) and specific integer types (int64/uint64) in Go lang can impact performance, albeit not in the way you might expect.

Unlike byte, which is an alias for uint8, int is not simply an alias for int64. Instead, int is a variable-length type that adapts to the word size of the underlying architecture. On 64-bit architectures, it represents a 64-bit integer, while on 32-bit architectures, it represents a 32-bit integer.

This flexibility can lead to slight performance gains when using general integer types. By matching the word size of the architecture, the compiler can perform optimizations that minimize memory accesses and reduce instruction overheads.

However, if you require a specific precision (e.g., storing very large or very small values), it's preferable to use the specific integer types (int64/uint64). These types provide a consistent 64-bit representation across all architectures, ensuring predictability and correctness.

In summary, for general-purpose computations where precise precision is not crucial, using int/uint can provide minor performance advantages by aligning with the word size of the architecture. Conversely, for specific scenarios requiring high precision, int64/uint64 ensure consistency and are recommended.

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