Can Go Projects Use Pre-compiled Binary Packages Without Source Code?

Using Binary Packages Directly in Go

One common requirement for distributing Go libraries is to do so without providing the source code. However, this presents a challenge, as the Go build process typically requires access to source files.

In traditional setups, workspace 1 ("WS1") contains the library sources and workspace 2 ("WS2") includes the main function that utilizes the library. Upon removing the source code from WS1, the build fails with an error indicating that the "lib" package cannot be found. This suggests that precompiled binary packages alone cannot be used directly in Go.

Why Binary Packages Alone Are Insufficient

The Go compiler requires access to both the binary package (.a) and the corresponding source files for several reasons:

• The compiler uses the source files to resolve dependencies within the package.
• The compiler needs to ensure compatibility between the binary package and the Go version being used.
• The go tool simplifies the build process by automatically managing these dependencies and checking for compatibility.

Solutions for Using Binary Packages Without Sources

Despite these restrictions, there are some solutions that allow for the deployment of libraries without source code:

• Timestamp Manipulation: Keep dummy source files with timestamps earlier than the binary package's timestamp. However, this approach can be unreliable if the dummy source timestamps are accidentally updated.
• Manual Compilation: Users can invoke the compiler (e.g., 6g) directly, bypassing the go tool and allowing the use of binary packages without sources.

Benefits of Distributing Sources

While it is possible to distribute Go libraries without sources, there are several benefits to doing so:

• Simplified Distribution: Including the source code makes it easier for users to build, test, and modify the library as needed.
• Community Contributions: Open-source distribution allows other developers to contribute to and improve the library.
• Documentation: Source code provides essential documentation for users and maintainers.

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