Slice Zero-Value

Problem

Nil slices are valid and usable, but behavior differs from empty slices.

Pattern

CORRECT - Nil slice works with append

var s []int  // nil slice
s = append(s, 1, 2, 3)  // OK, creates new backing array
fmt.Println(s)  // [1 2 3]

Nil vs Empty Slice

var nilSlice []int           // nil slice
emptySlice := []int{}        // empty slice (non-nil)