How to Install Go on Linux Mint 21 or 20

If you’re looking to install Go on Linux Mint 21 or its older stable release, Linux Mint 20, you’re preparing to work with a programming language renowned for its efficiency and ease of use. Go, or Golang is a statically typed language developed at Google, designed with modern computing in mind. It excels in areas where concurrent tasks and efficient performance are a priority.

Here’s what makes Go stand out:

• Simplicity: Go’s syntax is clean and concise, which promotes readability and is easy to learn for newcomers and seasoned programmers alike.
• Concurrency: With native features like goroutines and channels, Go allows for efficient parallel task processing, making it ideal for complex applications.
• Performance: As a compiled language, Go runs fast, translating directly into machine code. Its performance is comparable to C or C++, with the added benefit of memory safety and garbage collection.
• Cross-Platform Development: Go supports cross-compilation, enabling developers to build software for different systems from a single codebase.
• Robust Standard Library: Go’s extensive standard library offers a wealth of built-in functions for various tasks, reducing the need for external dependencies.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll guide you through the steps to get Go installed on your Linux Mint system, ensuring you have access to the latest version and features of this robust programming language. Whether you’re developing web applications and network servers or simply exploring new programming paradigms, Go provides the tools you need for building fast, reliable, and easy-to-maintain software.

Import Go Backports PPA on Linux Mint 21 or 20

To ensure you have access to the latest version of Golang, you can install it from the Golang Backports PPA, which consistently maintains the most up-to-date version.

Step 1: Import Golang Backports PPA

In your terminal, add the Golang Backports PPA by executing the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:longsleep/golang-backports -y

Step 2: Refresh APT Index After PPA Import

Next, update your APT repository to reflect the new addition:

sudo apt update

Install Go on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Step 1: Proceed to Install Go

Now it’s time to install Golang on your Linux Mint system. Run the following command to start the installation process:

sudo apt install golang

Step 2: Confirm Go Installation on Linux Mint

Once the installation is complete, verify the installed version of Golang by executing:

go version

Following these steps, you will have successfully installed the latest version of Golang on your Linux Mint system.

Test Golang on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Now that you have installed Go, it’s time to test it by creating a small “Hello, World” program.

Create a Directory and Go to File

First, create a new directory for your test program:

mkdir go-hello

Next, create a Go file using the nano text editor:

nano go-hello/hello.go

Paste the following code into the editor to create a simple “Hello, World” Go program:

package main

import "fmt"

func main() {
     fmt.Printf("Hello, World\n") 
}

Save the file (CTRL+O) and exit the editor (CTRL+X).

Create a Go Module

Now, you need to create a go.mod file to manage dependencies and execute the Go file you just created:

nano go-hello/go.mod

Add the following line:

module example.com/mod

Save the file (CTRL+O) and exit the editor (CTRL+X).

Build and Execute the Program

Navigate to the newly created directory and build the program using the following command:

cd go-hello && sudo go build

Finally, execute the “Hello, World” program with this command:

./mod

You should see the following output:

Hello, World

Conclusion: Installing Golang on Linux Mint

In conclusion, installing Golang on Linux Mint is a straightforward process that allows you to harness the power and simplicity of the Go programming language. Using the Golang Launchpad PPA, you can easily install and maintain the latest version of Go, streamlining your development process and ensuring access to the most up-to-date features and improvements.