What is context in Go and how is it used?

What is context in Go and how is it used?

In Go, the context package provides a way to pass request-scoped values, cancellation signals, and deadlines across API boundaries.

Can you give me an example of how to use context in a function?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

import (
    "context"
    "fmt"
)

func doSomething(ctx context.Context) {
    select {
    case <-ctx.Done():
        fmt.Println("Operation cancelled")
    default:
        fmt.Println("Doing something...")
    }
}

What are the benefits of using context?

Using context helps manage timeouts, cancellation, and passing data through function calls, making your code cleaner and more efficient.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using context?

Yes, common mistakes include using context for passing optional parameters, blocking operations, or not respecting cancellation signals.