performance-optimization

GoZod Performance Optimization Guide

This document provides comprehensive performance optimization guidelines specific to the GoZod validation library, focusing on Go 1.24+ enhancements, Parse vs StrictParse performance characteristics, and advanced optimization patterns.

🎯 Core Optimization Philosophy

1. Elegance-First Performance Approach

• Maintainability Priority: Prioritize code readability and maintainability over aggressive optimization
• Balanced Approach: Target 10-20% performance improvements with maintained code quality
• Progressive Improvement: Implement optimizations incrementally, each independently verifiable
• Avoid Over-Engineering: Focus on practical improvements; avoid excessive complexity

2. Performance Hierarchy

1. StrictParse Optimization: Compile-time type safety with maximum performance
2. Parse Path Optimization: Runtime flexibility with reasonable performance
3. Hot Path Identification: Optimize most frequently executed code paths
4. Memory Allocation Reduction: Minimize allocations in critical paths

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🚀 Parse vs StrictParse Performance Characteristics

Performance Comparison Matrix

Method	Input Type	Performance	Type Safety	Use Case
Parse(any)	any	Baseline (1x)	Runtime	API boundaries, unknown input
StrictParse(T)	T	3-5x faster	Compile-time	Known types, internal validation
MustParse(any)	any	Baseline + panic overhead	Runtime	Critical error scenarios
MustStrictParse(T)	T	3-5x faster + panic	Compile-time	Type-safe critical scenarios

When to Use Each Method

// ✅ Use StrictParse for known input types (hot paths)
func validateUserInput(user User) error {
    schema := gozod.Struct[User]()
    _, err := schema.StrictParse(user)  // 3-5x faster
    return err
}

// ✅ Use Parse for API boundaries (flexibility needed)
func handleAPIRequest(data any) (User, error) {
    schema := gozod.Struct[User]()
    return schema.Parse(data)  // Flexible input handling
}

// ✅ Use StrictParse in internal validation pipelines
func processValidatedData(users []User) error {
    schema := gozod.Struct[User]()
    for _, user := range users {
        if _, err := schema.StrictParse(user); err != nil {
            return err
        }
    }
    return nil
}