Description

where are go binaries installed ?

Where Are Go Binaries Installed?

When you install Go, it’s essential to understand where your binaries are stored. This article will guide you through the default installation locations on Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as provide some troubleshooting tips for common issues.

**The Importance of Knowing Your Binary Locations**

As a Go developer, understanding where your binaries are installed is crucial for managing your development environment. Whether you’re setting up a new project or troubleshooting issues, knowledge of your binary locations can save you time and effort.

### 1. Installation on Windows

On Windows, the MSI installer places Go in the `Program Files` or `Program Files (x86)` directory by default. However, you can choose a different location during installation. Once installed, the Go tools are added to the `PATH` environment variable, allowing you to run Go commands from any directory.

### 2. Installation on macOS

On macOS, the installer places Go in `/usr/local/go` by default. The executables are added to the path in `/etc/paths.d/go`. If you prefer a manual installation, you can download the tar.gz file and extract it to a directory of your choice, then update your `PATH` in `.profile`.

### 3. Installation on Linux

On Linux, manual installation is common. Download the tar.gz file from the official website, extract it to `/usr/local/go`, and ensure that `/usr/local/go/bin` is in your `PATH`.

### 4. Managing Binaries with `go install`

When you use `go install`, the binary is placed in `$GOPATH/bin`. If you encounter issues, run `go install -x` to see the compilation steps and verify that `GOPATH` is correctly defined and exported.

### 5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Verify `GOPATH`:** Ensure that `GOPATH` is defined and exported in your shell profile.
* **Use `go version`:** Run `go version` to confirm that Go is correctly installed.
* **Uninstalling Go:** On Windows, use the control panel. On macOS/Linux, delete the installation directory and update your `PATH`.

### 6. Additional Tips and Tricks

* **Using `go build`:** Unlike `go install`, `go build` generates a binary in the current directory.
* **Customizing Installation:** You can choose the installation location by modifying `GOPATH` or using version management tools like `goenv`.

### Conclusion

Go is designed to be simple and portable. By understanding where your binaries are installed, you can better manage your development environment. Don’t forget to consult the official documentation for more details and tips.

With this knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient Go developer. Happy coding!