🔗 Go is not just for CLIs. It runs the cloud native control plane

Is Go really just for command-line interfaces? Far from it. In a recent analysis, it was revealed that 19 out of 20 key projects defining the cloud native stack predominantly use Go, often exceeding 90% in code composition. The meme suggesting Go’s limited utility overlooks its integral role in infrastructure software. DevOps engineers are encouraged to learn enough Go to read the tools they use, as it enhances operational effectiveness. With properties like self-contained binaries, fast compilation, and goroutines designed for managing thousands of connections, Go has cemented itself in the control plane structure of modern applications. This article dives deep into why Go excels in these environments, alongside its limitations in data-heavy, performance-critical situations that still favor languages like C or Rust. Understanding Go not only aids in tool utilization but also demystifies the underlying mechanics of the infrastructure used today.