# netlink [![builds.sr.ht status](https://builds.sr.ht/~mdlayher/netlink.svg)](https://builds.sr.ht/~mdlayher/netlink?) [![GoDoc](https://godoc.org/github.com/mdlayher/netlink?status.svg)](https://godoc.org/github.com/mdlayher/netlink) [![Go Report Card](https://goreportcard.com/badge/github.com/mdlayher/netlink)](https://goreportcard.com/report/github.com/mdlayher/netlink)

Package `netlink` provides low-level access to Linux netlink sockets.
MIT Licensed.

For more information about how netlink works, check out my blog series
on [Linux, Netlink, and Go](https://mdlayher.com/blog/linux-netlink-and-go-part-1-netlink/).

If you have any questions or you'd like some guidance, please join us on
[Gophers Slack](https://invite.slack.golangbridge.org) in the `#networking`
channel!

## Stability

At this time, package `netlink` is in a pre-v1.0.0 state. Changes are being made
which may impact the exported API of this package and others in its ecosystem.
To follow along on the status of a v1.0.0 release, [see the associated issue](https://github.com/mdlayher/netlink/issues/123).

The general policy of this package is to only support the latest, stable version
of Go. Compatibility shims may be added for prior versions of Go on an as-needed
basis. If you would like to raise a concern, please [file an issue](https://github.com/mdlayher/netlink/issues/new).

**If you depend on this package in your applications, please vendor it or use Go
modules when building your application.**

## Design

A [number of netlink packages](https://godoc.org/?q=netlink) are already
available for Go, but I wasn't able to find one that aligned with what
I wanted in a netlink package:

- Straightforward, idiomatic API
- Well tested
- Well documented
- Doesn't use package/global variables or state
- Doesn't necessarily need root to work

My goal for this package is to use it as a building block for the creation
of other netlink family packages.

## Ecosystem

Over time, an ecosystem of Go packages has developed around package `netlink`.
Many of these packages provide building blocks for further interactions with
various netlink families, such as `NETLINK_GENERIC` or `NETLINK_ROUTE`.

To have your package included in this diagram, please send a pull request!

![netlink ecosystem](./netlink.svg)