Value vs Pointer, Measured
Compare value and pointer costs under explicit ownership and call boundaries without assuming a crossover.
This chapter is part of the paid launch. The preview stays visible so readers can evaluate the exact scope before buying.
Core and Complete. Complete also includes the practical exam and free Go-version updates.
What this chapter teaches
Passing or returning a pointer is cheaper than a value, because it avoids copying the struct. Use pointers on hot paths.
In this benchmark, the escaping pointer variants allocate while the value variants do not. Through 1024 bytes, copying the value remains faster than allocating the pointee. Other call shapes, uses, compilers, and machines can produce different results, so ask "does this pointer escape, and what does this workload measure?
Unlock Chapter 02 and the rest of the course.
Core unlocks every paid chapter and lab. Complete also includes the practical exam and future Go-version updates.
Full course access with the complete mechanics curriculum.
Best-value launch option with the exam and free Go-version course updates.
No subscription or account required. Access is tied to the email entered at Stripe Checkout and can be restored by email.