+ If there is a corresponding issue, add either `Fixes #1234` or `Updates #1234`
  (the latter if this is not a complete fix) to this comment
+ If referring to a repo other than `golang/go` you can use the
  `owner/repo#issue_number` syntax: `Fixes golang/tools#1234`
+ We do not use Signed-off-by lines in Go. Please don't add them.
  Our Gerrit server & GitHub bots enforce CLA compliance instead.

glob "*stdlib/*minor" are treated specially. They should be in subdirectories
corresponding to standard library package paths, and headings for those package
paths will be generated automatically.

Files in this repo's `api/next` directory must have corresponding files in
`doc/next/*stdlib/*minor`.
The files should be in the subdirectory for the package with the new
API, and should be named after the issue number of the API proposal.

# Treat all files in the Go repo as binary, with no git magic updating
# line endings. This produces predictable results in different environments.
#
# Windows users contributing to Go will need to use a modern version
# of git and editors capable of LF line endings.
#
# Windows .bat files are known to have multiple bugs when run with LF
# endings, and so they are checked in with CRLF endings, with a test

---
title: "Go, Backwards Compatibility, and GODEBUG"
layout: article
---

<!--
This document is kept in the Go repo, not x/website,
because it documents the full list of known GODEBUG settings,
which are tied to a specific release.
-->

## Introduction {#intro}

Go's emphasis on backwards compatibility is one of its key strengths.
There are, however, times when we cannot maintain complete compatibility.