Go - Performance - What's the difference between pointer and value in struct? -

given following struct:

type exp struct {   foo int,   bar *int } 

what difference in term of performance when using pointer or value in struct. there overhead or 2 schools of go programming?

i use pointers implement chained struct case have use pointers in struct in order gain performance?

ps: in above struct talk simple int other type (even custom one)

use form functionally useful program. basically, means if it's useful value nil, use pointer.

from performance perspective, primitive numeric types more efficient copy dereference pointer. more complex data structures still faster copy if smaller cache line or 2 (under 128 bytes rule of thumb x86 cpus).

when things little larger, need benchmark if performance concerns you. cpus very efficient @ copying data, , there many variables involved determine locality , cache friendliness of data, depends on program's behavior, , hardware you're using.

this excellent series of articles if want better understand how memory , software interact: "what every programmer should know memory".

in short, tell people choose pointer or not based on logic of program, , worry performance later.

• use pointer if need pass modified.
• use pointer if need determine if unset/nil.
• use pointer if using type has methods pointer receivers.