Commit aef4e1c3 authored by Andrew Gerrand's avatar Andrew Gerrand

doc: add "implements" question to FAQ

R=r, fw, gri, r2, yiyus
CC=golang-dev
https://golang.org/cl/4248051
parent ee1cb829
......@@ -508,6 +508,71 @@ Regarding operator overloading, it seems more a convenience than an absolute
requirement. Again, things are simpler without it.
</p>
<h3 id="implements_interface">
Why doesn't Go have "implements" declarations?</h3>
<p>
A Go type satisfies an interface by implementing the methods of that interface,
nothing more. This property allows interfaces to be defined and used without
having to modify existing code. It enables a kind of "duck typing" that
promotes separation of concerns and improves code re-use, and makes it easier
to build on patterns that emerge as the code develops.
The semantics of interfaces is one of the main reasons for Go's nimble,
lightweight feel.
</p>
<p>
See the <a href="#inheritance">question on type inheritance</a> for more detail.
</p>
<h3 id="guarantee_satisfies_interface">
How can I guarantee my type satisfies an interface?</h3>
<p>
You can ask the compiler to check that the type <code>T</code> implements the
interface <code>I</code> by attempting an assignment:
</p>
<pre>
type T struct{}
var _ I = T{}
</pre>
<p>
If <code>T</code> doesn't implement <code>I</code>, the mistake will be caught
at compile time.
</p>
<p>
If you wish the users of an interface to explicitly declare that they implement
it, you can add a method with a descriptive name to the interface's method set.
For example:
</p>
<pre>
type Fooer interface {
Foo()
ImplementsFooer()
}
</pre>
<p>
A type must then implement the <code>ImplementsFooer</code> method to be a
<code>Fooer</code>, clearly documenting the fact.
</p>
<pre>
type Bar struct{}
func (b Bar) ImplementsFooer() {}
func (b Bar) Foo() {}
</pre>
<p>
Most code doesn't make use of such constraints, since they limit the utility of
the interface idea. Sometimes, though, they're necessary to resolve ambiguities
among similar interfaces.
</p>
<h2 id="values">Values</h2>
......
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