`defer`, `panic`, and `recover` are three distinct mechanisms in Go that are used for different purposes. Let’s discuss each of them and their differences:

1. `defer`:

• `defer` is a keyword used to schedule a function call to be executed at the end of the current function’s scope, but before it returns.
• It is commonly used to ensure that certain cleanup or finalization tasks are performed, regardless of how the function exits (e.g., normal return, panic, or runtime error).
• Multiple `defer` statements are executed in reverse order, i.e., the most recently deferred function is executed first.
• `defer` is primarily used for resource management, such as closing files, releasing locks, or freeing resources.

2. `panic`:

• `panic` is a built-in function in Go that is used to initiate a panic condition.
• A panic is an abrupt termination of the current goroutine. It immediately stops the normal execution flow and starts unwinding the stack, executing any deferred functions along the way.
• When a panic occurs, it triggers the execution of deferred functions, and then the program terminates, displaying a panic message.
• `panic` is generally used to handle exceptional situations or errors that cannot be handled gracefully, like invalid input, unexpected conditions, or unrecoverable errors.

3. `recover`:

• `recover` is a built-in function that allows a program to regain control after a panic and resume normal execution.
• It is only effective when called from a deferred function invoked during the unwinding process of a panic.
• `recover` captures the panic value that caused the panic and stops the propagation of the panic.
• By calling `recover`, you can handle or process the panic condition gracefully and prevent the program from terminating.
• It’s important to note that `recover` should be used with caution and only in situations where it makes sense to handle the panic and continue execution.

When to use each of them:

• `defer`: Use `defer` to ensure cleanup tasks are executed, such as closing files or releasing resources, regardless of how the function exits.
• `panic`: Use `panic` to indicate exceptional situations or unrecoverable errors. It’s typically used when there is no reasonable way to recover from the error and you want to stop execution.
• `recover`: Use `recover` to regain control after a panic and handle or process the panic condition gracefully. It should only be used in deferred functions and in scenarios where it makes sense to handle the panic and continue execution.

Remember that the general guideline is to use `panic` and `recover` sparingly. They are powerful mechanisms for handling exceptional conditions, but it’s important to have well-designed error handling strategies in place to handle expected errors and avoid excessive use of panic/recover.