How do I use http.ServeMux vs third-party routers?

In Go, the `http.ServeMux` is a built-in router that allows you to handle HTTP requests based on their URL paths. It can be a simple choice for routing but may not provide the advanced features offered by third-party routers like Gorilla Mux, Chi, or Echo. These libraries often come with additional functionalities such as middleware support, route grouping, and even more complex matching capabilities.

When deciding to use `http.ServeMux` or a third-party router, consider the scale of your application and the routing requirements you have. For smaller, simpler applications, `http.ServeMux` may be sufficient, while larger applications with complex routing needs might benefit from a third-party router.

Here’s a quick example of how to use both:

        // Using http.ServeMux
        package main
        
        import (
            "fmt"
            "net/http"
        )
        
        func main() {
            mux := http.NewServeMux()
            mux.HandleFunc("/", func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
                fmt.Fprintln(w, "Welcome to the home page!")
            })
            mux.HandleFunc("/about", func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
                fmt.Fprintln(w, "About us page!")
            })
            http.ListenAndServe(":8080", mux)
        }
        
        // Using Gorilla Mux
        package main
        
        import (
            "fmt"
            "github.com/gorilla/mux"
            "net/http"
        )
        
        func main() {
            r := mux.NewRouter()
            r.HandleFunc("/", func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
                fmt.Fprintln(w, "Welcome to the home page!")
            })
            r.HandleFunc("/about", func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
                fmt.Fprintln(w, "About us page!")
            })
            http.ListenAndServe(":8080", r)
        }
        

Go http.ServeMux routing third-party routers Gorilla Mux Chi Echo HTTP handlers web development