Can Go Binary Packages Be Distributed Without Source Code?

Using Binary Packages without Source Code in Go

Distributing software libraries without source code is a common requirement, but can it be achieved with Go? This question has puzzled many Go developers, leading to the exploration of various approaches.

One attempt involves creating dummy source files with timestamps older than the binary packages. While this approach may seem viable, it presents a potential issue if the dummy source files are accidentally updated, resulting in an invalid package.

Distributing Sources a Necessity?

The Go compiler explicitly requires both source code and binary packages for successful compilation. The lack of a direct provision for using .a files solely raises the question of why Go does not provide this functionality.

The Role of the go Tool

The go tool, while convenient, is not a substitute for the Go compiler, linker, or language itself. The tool facilitates the process of building, testing, and packaging Go code, but it ultimately relies on the underlying components to perform the heavy lifting.

Pragmatic Solution

Despite the challenges, there is a practical solution that allows you to distribute binary packages without the entire source code:

Distribute the .a files along with dummy source files whose timestamps are older than those of the binary packages. Ensure that all relevant files are placed in the expected locations, and your users can then build and use your package via the command line using the compiler directly.

Note on Dummy Sources

Newer versions of the go tool have enhanced their detection capabilities, requiring all files with the proper filenames and older timestamps in the src folder, even if they are empty. This eliminates the need for timestamp management, making this solution more straightforward.

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