Generic functions

Generic functions in Go are functions that operate on any type specified by a type parameter, allowing you to write reusable code without duplication.

func Max[T cmp.Ordered](a, b T) T {
	if a < b {
		return b
	}
	return a
}

// Usage:
fmt.Println(Max(1, 2))       // int
fmt.Println(Max("a", "b"))   // string

This feature, introduced in Go 1.18, lets you define functions like Max that work with int, string, or any other type satisfying the cmp.Ordered constraint.

Generic functions are like reusable templates that work with any data type you give them, instead of writing separate functions for numbers, text, or custom objects. Think of it as a single mold that can shape different materials into the same form. You use them when you need the same logic to apply to multiple types to keep your code clean and DRY.