Welcome to the guide on implementing Clean Architecture using Go (Golang). This post will walk you through the various versions of the Go Clean Architecture, tips on how to set it up, and common troubleshooting steps you might encounter along the way. So, let’s get started!

The Evolution of Go Clean Architecture

The Go Clean Architecture has evolved through several versions, each refining the concepts introduced by Uncle Bob on clean software architecture. This project consists of multiple branches, each representing a version with distinct features.

• v1: Check out the v1 branch. Initially proposed in 2017 and archived in 2018. This is the first version and serves as a foundation.
  Description: Initial proposal by the author. You can read the story here.
• v2: Check out the v2 branch. Proposed in 2018 and archived in 2020. An improvement over v1.
  Description: Enhancements from v1 can be read here.
• v3: Check out the v3 branch. Proposed in 2019 and merged into the master branch in 2020.
  Description: Introduced a Domain package. The details can be seen in this PR #21.
• v4: This is the master branch proposed in 2024.
  Description: Introduced Interfaces to the consuming side, internal package, and service-focused package. More details can be found in PR #88.

Understanding the Clean Architecture Principles

The core principles of Clean Architecture as outlined by Uncle Bob are aimed at ensuring that the business logic of your application remains unaffected by changes in external systems. Think of it as creating a multi-layered cake where the base structure (business logic) stays the same even if you change the frosting (UI or Database).

• Independent of Frameworks: The architecture doesn’t rely on any particular framework, allowing you to leverage them as tools.
• Testable: All components can be tested in isolation, without requiring the UI or database.
• Independent of UI: Changes to the user interface don’t necessitate changes to business logic.
• Independent of Database: Database changes don’t affect business rules, allowing for flexibility in implementation.
• Independent of External Agencies: Business rules remain oblivious to external dependencies.

How to Run This Project

To successfully run the Go Clean Architecture project, follow these instructions:

bash
# Ensure you have run the article.sql in your MySQL
# Since the project uses Go Module, place the source code outside of GOPATH.

# Run the Tests
$ make tests

# Run the Applications Using Docker-Compose
# Move to your directory
$ cd workspace
# Clone the repository
$ git clone https://github.com/bxcodec/go-clean-arch.git
# Change to the project directory
$ cd go-clean-arch
# Copy the example.env to .env
$ cp example.env .env
# Run the application
$ make up
# The hot reload will be running
# Execute the call in another terminal
$ curl localhost:9090/articles

Common Troubleshooting Ideas

As you embark on your journey to implement this architecture, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Docker Issues: If your Docker containers don’t start, ensure you have Docker installed and running. Check for any syntax errors in your .env file.
• Database Connections: If you face issues connecting to MySQL, verify that the database service is running and that your connection parameters are correct.
• Port Conflicts: Ensure that the ports you are trying to access (localhost:9090) are not being used by other applications.

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Conclusion

With this guide, you should have a solid understanding of how to implement Clean Architecture in your Go projects. Keep in mind that while the arrangement may differ, the core principles remain universally applicable.

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