Early Returns

Go encourages a “flat” coding style by using early returns and guard clauses. This pattern avoids deeply nested if/else blocks.

The Problem: Deep Nesting

Nested logic is hard to follow because the reader has to keep multiple “what if” scenarios in their head.

func getInsuranceAmount(status status) int {
    if !status.hasInsurance() {
        return 1
    } else {
        if status.isTotaled() {
            return 10000
        } else {
            // ... and so on
        }
    }
}

The Solution: Guard Clauses

A guard clause checks for an “error” or “exit” condition and returns immediately, allowing the main logic to continue in a single column.

func getInsuranceAmount(status status) int {
    if !status.hasInsurance() {
        return 1
    }
    if status.isTotaled() {
        return 10000
    }
    if status.isBigDent() {
        return 270
    }
    return 160
}

Benefits

1. Reduced Cognitive Load: You only need to think about one condition at a time.
2. Readability: The “happy path” of the function is usually at the bottom, while edge cases are handled and disposed of early.