Introduction to Go Language Basics

Aug 22, 2024

Go Language Tutorial - Introduction

Overview of Go (Golang)

  • Definition: A fast, statically typed, compiled language.
  • Compiled Language: Translates to machine-level code for faster execution (unlike interpreted languages like Python).
  • Statically Typed: Variable types are checked at compile-time, reducing type errors.
  • Strongly Typed: Variable types are immutable after declaration (e.g., a string cannot become a number).
  • General Purpose: Suitable for various applications (web apps, REST APIs, cloud services).
  • Built-in Testing Support: No need for extra dependencies for testing.
  • Object-Oriented Features: Uses custom types, structs, and interfaces instead of traditional classes and constructors.

Prerequisites

  • Basic knowledge of programming concepts is assumed (variables, functions, arrays, loops).
  • Recommended to have a foundation in another programming language (e.g., JavaScript, Python).
  • Suggestion: Check out the "JavaScript for Beginners" tutorial for foundational knowledge.

Course Project

  • Goal: Build a command-line program for managing bills in a cafe or restaurant.
  • Features of the Program:
    • Create a new bill with a name.
    • Add multiple items and a tip.
    • Save the bill to a text file with a formatted total.
  • Learning Outcomes: Familiarization with Go's building blocks:
    • Slices, maps, structs, receiver functions, pointers, etc.

Setup Instructions

  1. Install Go:

    • Go to golang.org and download the appropriate version for your OS.
    • Run the installer and ensure Go is added to the PATH environment variable.

  2. Verify Installation:

    • Open a terminal and type go. If options are displayed, Go is installed.

  3. Setup Visual Studio Code:

    • Open an empty folder in VS Code for your project.
    • Install the Go extension in VS Code (search for "Go" and install).
    • Create a new file named test.go to start coding.
    • Install additional Go-related tools when prompted in VS Code to enhance functionality.

Course Materials Access

  • All course files can be accessed in the GitHub repository: Golang Tutorials.
  • Each lesson has its own branch (e.g., for Lesson 10, select "lesson 10" from the branch drop-down).
  • Download the entire lesson code as a zip file via the "Code" button.

Additional Information

  • For an ad-free experience of the course, access it at netninja.dev.
  • Pricing: $2 for the entire course or $9/month for all courses with a half-price first month using a promo code.

Conclusion

  • Reminder to share, subscribe, and like the content.
  • Looking forward to the next tutorial.