Learn Go Programming: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started

Getting Started with Go Programming

Go, also known as Golang, is a versatile and efficient programming language used for building complex backends, web applications, and cloud-native applications. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of running Go on your computer, installing the necessary tools, and writing your first Go program.

Running Go Online

Before we dive into installing Go on your computer, let’s explore the option of running Go online. Our free online Go compiler allows you to write and execute Go code directly in your browser, without the need for any installation. This is a great way to get started with Go and experiment with the language before committing to a full installation.

Installing Go on Your Computer

To install Go on your computer, follow these steps:

Windows Installation

1. Install VS Code: Download and install VS Code from the official website.
2. Check Go Version: Open the Command Prompt and type go version to check if Go is already installed.
3. Download Go Installer: Visit the Go download page and click on the download button.
4. Run the Installer: Run the downloaded installer and follow the installation process.
5. Verify Installation: Open the Command Prompt and type go version to verify the installation.

macOS Installation

1. Install VS Code: Download and install VS Code from the official website.
2. Check Go Version: Open the Terminal app and type go version to check if Go is already installed.
3. Download Go Installer: Visit the Go download page and click on the download button.
4. Run the Installer: Run the downloaded installer and follow the installation process.
5. Verify Installation: Open the Terminal app and type go version to verify the installation.

Linux (Ubuntu) Installation

1. Install VS Code: Open the Terminal and type sudo apt-get update followed by sudo apt-get install vscode.
2. Download Go: Visit the Go download page and click on the download button.
3. Extract the Downloaded File: Move to the directory where the file was downloaded and run tar -xvf go.tar.gz.
4. Add to Environment Variable: Run export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/go/bin to add the Go binary to the environment variable.
5. Verify Installation: Open the Terminal and type go version to verify the installation.

Running Your First Go Program

Now that you have installed Go on your computer, it’s time to write and run your first Go program. Follow these steps:

1. Install Required Extensions in VS Code: Install the Code Runner and Go extensions in VS Code.
2. Create a Go File: Create a new file in VS Code and save it with a .go extension.
3. Write Your Go Program: Write the following code in the file: package main import "fmt" func main() { fmt.Println("Hello World!") }
4. Run Your Program: Click the run button at the top right of the VS Code Window to run your program.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Go on your computer and written your first Go program. In the next tutorial, we will explore the basics of Go programming and learn how to write more complex programs.