Go uses a reference time format to ensure consistent, locale-independent date formatting by using a concrete example as a template.
Go uses a reference time (Mon Jan 2 15:04:05 MST 2006) instead of strftime patterns to provide a concrete, unambiguous example of the desired format rather than a symbolic string. This design choice prevents errors caused by locale-specific differences in strftime symbols and makes the format string self-documenting. You use the reference time by replacing each component with the corresponding time field you want to display.
import "time"
t := time.Now()
fmt.Println(t.Format("2006-01-02 15:04:05 MST"))
Go uses a specific date and time as a template to show exactly how you want your output to look, instead of using cryptic letters like other languages. This means you don't have to memorize a list of symbols or worry about your computer's language settings changing the result. It's like showing someone a sample of a finished cake instead of giving them a recipe with vague instructions.