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Asked: 2024-09-24T16:49:00+05:30 In:

What steps should I follow to install the most recent version of Go programming language on Ubuntu?

I’ve been diving into programming lately and really want to get into Go, but I’m totally lost when it comes to installing it on my Ubuntu machine. I’ve seen a lot of information out there, but it all seems a bit scattered, and I’d love some clear, step-by-step guidance to make sure I get it right.

I checked the official Go website, and while it’s got a lot of info, I feel a bit overwhelmed trying to piece it all together. For instance, do I just run the commands in the terminal, or is there something specific I need to do first? And what about the version I should install—should I always aim for the absolute latest one, or is there a stable version that’s better for beginners like me?

Also, do I need to worry about path setups or environment variables, or is that something that’s handled automatically? I’ve heard people talk about setting things up in the `.bashrc` file, but I’m not really sure why. I want to make sure I don’t mess anything up during the installation process.

While I’m at it, if you have any tips on getting started with Go—like good resources or tutorials you found helpful—I’d really appreciate that too. I’m eager to jump in, but I just want to make sure the installation process goes smoothly first.

So, if someone out there can walk me through this or share their own experience with installing Go on Ubuntu, it would be a huge help! I want to avoid any pitfalls that might come up, and I’d love to hear any tricks or shortcuts you’ve picked up along the way. Thanks in advance for any advice you can share!

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    2 Answers

    1. To install Go on your Ubuntu machine, you can follow these straightforward steps. First, open your terminal and ensure that your package lists are updated by running: sudo apt update. After that, you can install Go by executing: sudo snap install go --classic. This command will fetch the latest stable version of Go. Most beginners will find it easier to start with this version, as it is the default stable release that has undergone sufficient testing. Once the installation completes, you can verify that Go is installed correctly by typing go version in your terminal. This command should display the installed version of Go, confirming that the installation was successful.

      Regarding environment variables, while the snap installation handles most configurations automatically, you may still need to add Go’s binary directory to your system’s PATH. You can do this by adding the following line to your .bashrc file: export PATH=$PATH:/snap/bin. After making this addition, run source ~/.bashrc to apply the changes. This adjustment allows you to access Go commands from anywhere in your terminal. As for resources, the official Go website has excellent documentation, and websites like Go by Example and The Go Programming Language book can also provide you with valuable insights and practical examples to kickstart your Go journey.

    2. Installing Go on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

      If you’re feeling lost about installing Go on your Ubuntu machine, don’t worry! Here’s a simple guide to help you out.

      Step 1: Update Your System

      First, let’s make sure your system is up to date. Open your terminal and run:

      sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

      Step 2: Download Go

      Next, you want to download the latest version of Go. You can do this with the following command:

      wget https://golang.org/dl/go1.20.5.linux-amd64.tar.gz

      (Check the Go downloads page for the latest version number.)

      Step 3: Extract the Archive

      Now that you have the tar.gz file, let’s extract it:

      sudo tar -C /usr/local -xzf go1.20.5.linux-amd64.tar.gz

      Step 4: Set Up Your Environment Variables

      This is where you might hear people talk about the .bashrc file. You need to add Go to your PATH so you can run it from anywhere. Open your .bashrc file with:

      nano ~/.bashrc

      Then add these lines at the end of the file:

      export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/go/bin
export GOPATH=$HOME/go
export PATH=$PATH:$GOPATH/bin

      Save the file by pressing CTRL + X, then Y, and Enter.

      To apply the changes, run:

      source ~/.bashrc

      Step 5: Verify the Installation

      Let’s check if Go is installed correctly by typing:

      go version

      You should see the Go version you just installed! 🎉

      Choosing the Right Version

      While it’s great to have the latest version, sticking to a stable release is usually a good idea for beginners. The official site generally has them marked, so you can choose one that feels right.

      Getting Started with Go

      Once you have Go set up, there are plenty of resources out there! Here are a few to kickstart your Go journey:

      Final Tips

      Don’t hesitate to reach out to the community—places like Stack Overflow or the Go community on Reddit can be super helpful. Happy coding!

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