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Unexported return type of the exported function

Last modified: 03 December 2024

Reports exported functions with unexported return types.

Unexported types can be difficult to use when viewing documentation under go doc.

Example:

type hidden struct{}

func Exported() hidden { // Exported function with the `hidden` unexported return type
 return hidden{}
}

You can apply Export quick-fix to export the type. After the quick-fix is applied, type name will be capitalized:

type Hidden struct{}

func Exported() Hidden { // Fixed
 return Hidden{}
}

Locating this inspection

By ID

Can be used to locate inspection in e.g. Qodana configuration files, where you can quickly enable or disable it, or adjust its settings.

GoExportedFuncWithUnexportedType
Via Settings dialog

Path to the inspection settings via IntelliJ Platform IDE Settings dialog, when you need to adjust inspection settings directly from your IDE.

Settings or Preferences | Editor | Inspections | Go | General

Inspection Details

By default bundled with:

GoLand 2024.3, Qodana for Go 2024.3,

Can be installed with plugin:

Go, 243.23131