The error invalid operation: type *map[key]value does not support indexing in Go occurs when you try to “use indexing on a variable that does not support it.”
To fix the invalid operation: type *map[key]value does not support indexing error in Golang, you need to “dereference the pointer to the map before using indexing”.
Reproduce the error
package main
import (
"fmt"
)
func main() {
myMap := make(map[string]int)
myMap["one"] = 1
myMap["two"] = 2
pointerToMap := &myMap
// The following line causes an error
fmt.Println("Value for key 'one':", pointerToMap["one"])
}
Output
invalid operation: cannot index pointerToMap (variable of type *map[string]int)
Fixed code
package main
import (
"fmt"
)
func main() {
myMap := make(map[string]int)
myMap["one"] = 1
myMap["two"] = 2
pointerToMap := &myMap
// Dereference the pointer before indexing
fmt.Println("Value for key 'one':", (*pointerToMap)["one"])
}
Output
Value for key 'one': 1
In this fixed code, we dereferenced the pointer to the map using (*pointerToMap) before accessing the element with the key “one”.
Remember to “dereference the pointer to the map before using indexing” to access its elements.
That’s it!

Krunal Lathiya is a seasoned Computer Science expert with over eight years in the tech industry. He boasts deep knowledge in Data Science and Machine Learning. Versed in Python, JavaScript, PHP, R, and Golang. Skilled in frameworks like Angular and React and platforms such as Node.js. His expertise spans both front-end and back-end development. His proficiency in the Python language stands as a testament to his versatility and commitment to the craft.