The TRUTH About Golang Backend Frameworks

Summary

The script discusses the dilemma of choosing a Go framework for building backend APIs, comparing it to the 'JavaScript problem' of too many options. It reviews frameworks like Gin, Chi, Fiber, Echo, and HTTP router, highlighting their similarities and suggesting that often, the standard library suffices. The speaker advocates starting with Go's standard library and only using external libraries for specific use cases, recommending HTTP router for its simplicity and closeness to the standard library.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Choosing a Go framework can be overwhelming due to the multitude of options available.
• 🤔 The 'JavaScript problem' refers to having too many tools or frameworks to choose from without a clear need.
• 📚 Popular Go frameworks for backend API development include Gin, Qi, Fiber, Echo, and others.
• 🧩 Many Go frameworks are essentially wrappers around the standard library, offering similar functionalities.
• 🚀 Gin is noted for its high performance, up to 40 times faster thanks to http router.
• 🌐 Echo is highlighted for its optimized HTTP router with smartly prioritized routes.
• 🛠️ Qi is described as lightweight, idiomatic, and composable for building HTTP services.
• 🌟 The presenter recommends starting with the standard library and not relying on external frameworks unless necessary.
• 🔄 There's no 'right' framework in Go; it's more about personal preference and specific use cases.
• 🔄 HTTP router by Julian Schmidt is recommended for its simplicity and closeness to the standard library.

Q & A

What is the 'JavaScript problem' mentioned in the script?

The 'JavaScript problem' refers to the overwhelming number of options for tools, libraries, and frameworks available, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for a specific application.

Why does the speaker suggest that there is no 'right' Go framework?

The speaker suggests that there is no 'right' Go framework because many of the frameworks essentially do the same thing, acting as wrappers on top of the standard library, and thus the choice often comes down to personal preference rather than necessity.

What are some of the Go frameworks mentioned in the script?

Some of the Go frameworks mentioned are Gin, Qi, Fiber, Echo, and Go Chi.

What does the speaker recommend for someone new to Go?

The speaker recommends starting with the standard library and not importing modules or frameworks unless they are necessary.

Why does the speaker recommend the HTTP router by Julian Schmidt?

The speaker recommends HTTP router by Julian Schmidt because it is the closest to the standard library and requires minimal additional resources, providing just the router functionality needed.

What is the main similarity the speaker points out among the Go frameworks?

The main similarity is that all the frameworks follow a similar pattern of creating instances, defining routes, and passing handlers or JSON payloads.

What is the speaker's stance on using frameworks for creating routes or middleware in Go?

The speaker believes that using frameworks for creating routes or middleware in Go is not necessary since these functionalities can be achieved with the standard library alone.

What is the 'Pokemon' reference in the script about?

The 'Pokemon' reference is a humorous way the speaker uses to indicate that there are so many Go frameworks that they can be confusing, similar to the vast number of Pokemon.

What is the challenge the speaker issues to the audience at the end of the script?

The challenge is for the audience to try to replicate their application's functionality using only the standard library, after removing any frameworks they were using.

What is the main takeaway from the script regarding Go frameworks?

The main takeaway is that one should not get caught up in choosing the 'best' framework but instead focus on using the standard library and only introduce frameworks for specific use cases where they provide clear benefits.