Best Golang IDEs and Text Editors

The Go programming language was developed by Google and released in 2009. Go is its official name, while Golang was chosen as the domain and name for ease of internet search.

Go was created as a universal programming language for backend development: parsers, multi-threaded applications etc. At the same time Go language is minimalist. Even inexperienced programmers can write reliable code with it. Simplicity and functionality attract specialists to Go and make it popular.

To speed up coding in Go, it is necessary to choose a good IDE. This makes coding more efficient in several ways:

• Tools like static analysis and code refactoring optimize code quality.
• Correctly formatting and highlighting code elements ease code readability.
• Collaboration is improved with version control systems.
• Productivity is increased by features like auto-complete, syntax highlighting, and debugging tools.
• Automation of repetitive tasks optimizes time.
• Customization gives flexibility.

In this article, we’ll explain how IDEs help to code faster and save time. Also, we’ll tell, which products are the best for working with the Go language.

For comfortable and high-quality development, it is important to choose the right IDE. Here’s the algorithm for selecting:

1. Choosing IDE Type. Developers need to decide if they require a general-purpose IDE (for example, Visual Studio Code) or one specifically tailored for Go (for example, GoLand). If they work with multiple languages, a multilingual IDE might be better.
2. Checking OS Compatibility. It’s important to ensure that the chosen IDE is compatible with the operating system that programmers use.
3. Evaluating System Requirements. Some IDEs require significant computer resources. If the developers have weaker PCs, they should consider lightweight code editors with necessary extensions.
4. Considering Functionality. Free IDEs offer enough for private projects, while paid ones offer broader functionality. For instance syntax highlighting, code refactoring and background compilation. Thus, for professional use, paid IDEs might be more suitable.
5. Exploring Available Tools. Developers ought to explore the array of tools provided by various IDEs. Their selection should be driven by their specific requirements, including integrated Go tools such as go vet, gofmt, and golint. GitHub integration is also important. IDEs with built-in Git integration streamline the version control process, allowing developers to manage code repositories directly within the IDE.
6. Testing on a Trial Project. Programmers should try out the chosen IDE with a small project. They need to evaluate how easy it is to use the tools, navigate the interface, and ensure all necessary functions work smoothly.

Also, take a look at our previous articles, in wich we discussed the best IDEs and text editors for React and for C++.

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Cross-platform Golang IDE. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible across different platforms. With features like code highlighting, intelligent code completion, and robust debugging tools, VS Code empowers developers to write efficient, high-quality code.

Integration with Git facilitates efficient code management and version control. Its user-friendly interface and seamless performance make it a reliable choice for businesses aiming to optimize Golang development workflows.

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Cross-platform IDE built specially for Go developers. It offers comprehensive tools such as code analysis, smart code completion, debugging, and profiling. These functionalities not only streamline coding but also enhance productivity and ensure faster time-to-market for software products.

Furthermore, GoLand integrates with Git, simplifies code management and collaboration among development teams. Also this Golang IDE offers more than 50 plugins, so it can be integrated with various frameworks, tools and editor enhancements. GoLand stands as a versatile solution: it is suitable for a wide range of projects and development needs.

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Sublime Text is a versatile editor that offers useful features for Golang developers. For instance it supports multiple languages like Python, Java, and C++, providing flexibility in development.

Plugins like GoSublime enhance functionality, streamlining the process. Customization options allow tailoring to specific project needs, boosting productivity. Thus, Sublime Text is an indispensable tool for a small development. For large project the function of this basic editor may not be sufficient. One of the reasons is that there is no built-in refactoring and debugging in this editor.

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Versatile text editor that can be adapted for Go development using vim-go plugin. It offers fast code navigation, intelligent auto-completion, and powerful syntax highlighting for efficient code management. Seamless Git integration facilitates version control, ensuring codebase integrity and collaboration.

Vim’s extensive plugin ecosystem provides customization options tailored to project requirements. For example, users can install extensions for autocomplete code or syntax highlighting.

Since Vim is a universal editor, it will have to be specially adapted to work with Go: download the vim-go plugin, find suitable tools. But after a little preparation Vim empowers businesses with a robust development environment, enhancing productivity and project success.

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Cloud IDE provided by Amazon Web Services. It is designed for creating, deploying, and managing applications on Golang and other languages, such as JavaScript, Python, Java, and C++.

AWS Cloud9 includes many tools: code editor with autocomplete and syntax highlighting, debugging capabilities, and integration with other AWS services. For example:

• AWS CodeCommit — code repository for collaboration.
• AWS CodeBuild — automated code build and testing.
• AWS CodeDeploy — automated application deployment.

The main advantage of AWS Cloud9 for businesses — flexibility and scalability. Developers can easily access their projects from anywhere in the world and from any device. It is especially important for remote teams. Additionally, integration with other AWS services allows automating the development and delivery process, speeding up and simplifying the development cycle.

IDEs play a crucial role in streamlining the development process and improving productivity for Go developers. Each of the mentioned platforms offers unique features and capabilities tailored to different preferences and workflows.

Whether it’s the advanced code analysis of GoLand, the lightweight customization of VS Code, the flexibility of AWS Cloud9 and LiteIDE, or the simplicity of Sublime Text and Vim — there’s a tool for every developer’s needs.

By leveraging these Golang IDEs and text editors, developers can optimize their coding experience. It’s leading to more efficient and successful application development projects.