How To Install Go On Ubuntu 18.04?

Unveiling the Art of Installing Go on Ubuntu 18.04

In the tapestry of programming languages, Go, an offspring of Google, emerges as a nimble and efficient choice for modern-day development. Its simplicity, concurrency support, and compiled nature lend themselves to crafting powerful and scalable software solutions. As you embark on the journey of mastering this language, the initial step is the installation process—a gateway to unlocking Go’s potential on your Ubuntu 18.04 system. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this installation saga, unraveling the steps with finesse and clarity.

Preparing the Environment:

Update and Upgrade

Before setting sail into the world of Go, it’s prudent to ensure your Ubuntu 18.04 environment is shipshape and up-to-date. Commandeer the terminal and commence by updating the repository information. Execute the following command:

sudo apt update

This command triggers the repository refresh, ensuring you’re on the crest of the latest wave. Following this, proceed to upgrade existing packages:

sudo apt upgrade

This step orchestrates the update of existing packages to their latest versions, ensuring a robust foundation for Go’s installation.

Downloading Go:

A Voyage to the Official Website

Navigate through the cosmic expanse of the internet to the official Golang website, the citadel where the language resides in its most authentic form. Once there, locate the download section, and be sure to select the version best suited for your Ubuntu 18.04 system—often denoted by Linux in the options. With celestial precision, choose the appropriate tarball link for download, catering to your system’s architecture, be it 32-bit or 64-bit. As the tarball materializes within your system, prepare for the celestial unpacking.

Unpacking the Tarball:

Commanding the Terminal to Unveil Go

With the downloaded tarball cradled in your system’s bosom, navigate to the directory housing this celestial package through the terminal. Employ the adept tar command to unfurl the tarball’s contents into the chosen directory—perhaps, a sanctified directory like /usr/local for a globally accessible installation. A stroke of command-line wizardry akin to:

sudo tar -C /usr/local -xzf go<version>.linux-amd64.tar.gz

This spellbinding incantation unleashes the contents of the tarball into the designated directory, setting the stage for Go’s installation to permeate your system’s fabric.

Configuring the Environment:

Bestowing Go with Path Powers

The ethereal essence of Go remains tantalizingly close yet inaccessible without configuring the environment to acknowledge its presence. Invoke the esoteric nano or vim commands to open the ~/.profile file, a haven for environment variables. Add the following lines at the file’s denouement, enabling Go’s invocation with a mere whisper of a command:

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

This ritualistic configuration imparts your system with the wisdom to recognize Go’s existence and beckon it forth at your bidding.

Verification:

Illuminating the Path to Go’s Realm

To ensure the successful assimilation of Go into your Ubuntu 18.04 universe, evoke the terminal once more. Execute the command:

go version

A moment of suspended anticipation ensues as the terminal, now imbued with the commands of Go, reveals the installed version. If the terminal gracefully discloses the version number, rejoice! Go has integrated itself into your system, ready to embark on code expeditions at your behest.