# packet [![Test Status](https://github.com/mdlayher/packet/workflows/Test/badge.svg)](https://github.com/mdlayher/packet/actions) [![Go Reference](https://pkg.go.dev/badge/github.com/mdlayher/packet.svg)](https://pkg.go.dev/github.com/mdlayher/packet)  [![Go Report Card](https://goreportcard.com/badge/github.com/mdlayher/packet)](https://goreportcard.com/report/github.com/mdlayher/packet)

Package `packet` provides access to Linux packet sockets (`AF_PACKET`). MIT
Licensed.

## Stability

See the [CHANGELOG](./CHANGELOG.md) file for a description of changes between
releases.

This package has a stable v1 API and any future breaking changes will prompt
the release of a new major version. Features and bug fixes will continue to
occur in the v1.x.x series.

This package only supports the two most recent major versions of Go, mirroring
Go's own release policy. Older versions of Go may lack critical features and bug
fixes which are necessary for this package to function correctly.

## History

One of my first major Go networking projects was
[`github.com/mdlayher/raw`](https://github.com/mdlayher/raw), which provided
access to Linux `AF_PACKET` sockets and *BSD equivalent mechanisms for sending
and receiving Ethernet frames. However, the *BSD support languished and I lack
the expertise and time to properly maintain code for operating systems I do not
use on a daily basis.

Package `packet` is a successor to package `raw`, but exclusively focused on
Linux and `AF_PACKET` sockets. The APIs are nearly identical, but with a few
changes which take into account some of the lessons learned while working on
`raw`.

Users are highly encouraged to migrate any existing Linux uses of `raw` to
package `packet` instead. This package will be supported for the foreseeable
future and will receive continued updates as necessary.