April 29, 2024

Best Golang IDEs and Code Editors

Best Golang IDEs and Code Editors

Are you searching for the right tool to improve your Go programming experience? The right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or code editor can give you a good experience in your coding process.

But, with so many options available, which IDE is best for Golang?

This guide will help you choose the best Golang IDE for Windows and the best Golang IDE for Mac and help you decide which one might be the ideal match for your development journey.

10 Best Golang IDEs and Code Editors – Overview

Here’s an overview of the 10 best Go Language IDEs and Code Editors:

S.No.IDE NameLicense TypePlatform CompatibilityVersion Control IntegrationDownload Link
1Visual Studio CodeFreeWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
2GoLandPaidWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
3Eclipse with GoEclipseFreeWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
4IntelliJ IDEAFree/PaidWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
5KomodoPaidWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
6VimFreeWindows, macOS, Linux, UNIXYesDownload
7AtomFreeWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
8Sublime Text with Go SublimePaidWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
9ReplitFree/PaidWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
10Zeus IDEPaidWindowsYesDownload

Top 10 Golang IDEs for Developers

Below are the top 10 best free Golang IDEs for developers:

1. Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is the best IDE for Golang. It is a powerful and versatile code editor designed for developers of all skill levels.

It offers an intuitive interface and a wealth of features to support students and new programmers, including educational extensions and integrated tutorials.

License Type: Free/Open-Source

Supported Programming Languages:

  • JavaScript
  • Python
  • C++
  • Go
  • Java
  • And many more

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Clean, user-friendly interface
  • Highly responsive performance

Customization Options:

  • Extensive theme and icon customization
  • Configurable keyboard shortcuts
  • Editable user and workspace settings

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Automatic syntax highlighting for numerous languages
  • Customizable color schemes

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Inline breakpoints
  • Conditional debugging
  • Call stack navigation

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Extensive documentation and FAQs
  • Active community forums

Download Now

2. GoLand

GoLand is a specialized IDE from JetBrains tailored specifically for Go developers.

It enhances productivity with features such as on-the-fly error detection and clever completion routines, all within an environment designed to make Go development seamless and efficient.

License Type: Paid

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Go primarily
  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript (via plugins)
  • SQL

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Intuitive, Go-centric workflow
  • Smooth integration with other JetBrains tools

Customization Options:

  • Adjustable UI themes and fonts
  • Plugin architecture to extend functionality
  • Customizable keymaps and tools

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Smart syntax highlighting for Go and other languages
  • Structure view to navigate files and code blocks

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Comprehensive debugger with goroutine support
  • Memory and CPU profiler
  • Convenient database tools

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Detailed documentation and learning resources
  • Responsive support and active community discussions

Download Now

3. Eclipse with GoEclipse

Eclipse is a widely-used, open-source Integrated Development Environment (IDE) known for its robust, extensible nature.

When equipped with the GoEclipse plugin, it becomes a capable environment for developing Go applications, offering essential tools and features to facilitate coding, testing, and debugging in Go.

License Type: Free/Open-Source

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java
  • C/C++
  • Python (via plugins)
  • Go (with GoEclipse plugin)
  • And many other languages through additional plugins

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Highly customizable interface
  • Seamless integration with various development tools

Customization Options:

  • Wide range of plugins for enhanced functionality
  • Extensive preferences for personalizing the development experience

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Customizable syntax highlighting for Go and other languages
  • Visual representation of code and its dependencies

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Integrated debugger supports Go with appropriate configurations
  • Performance analysis tools
  • Error and log viewing capabilities

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Large, active user community
  • Extensive documentation and support forums

Download Now

4. IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA is a comprehensive IDE developed by JetBrains, designed to maximize developer productivity.

It supports Go through the use of plugins, making it a versatile choice for developers working in mixed-language environments.

License Type: Free (Community Edition), Paid (Ultimate Edition)

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java
  • Kotlin
  • Scala
  • Go (via plugins)
  • Groovy
  • And many more via plugins

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Sleek, responsive user interface
  • Context-aware UX that boosts productivity

Customization Options:

  • Extensive theme customization, including a dedicated marketplace for plugins and themes
  • Configurable editor layout and customizable shortcuts
  • Ability to create and share custom IDE settings

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Advanced syntax highlighting for multiple languages
  • Code inspection and suggestions for improvements

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Powerful integrated debugger with smart step-through
  • Inline variable view and expression evaluation
  • Support for multiple build systems and version control tools

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Wide community and professional support
  • Rich documentation and educational resources

Download Now

5. Komodo

Komodo IDE, developed by ActiveState, is an integrated development environment designed for professional developers working with dynamic and static languages.

It supports a broad spectrum of programming languages and emphasizes web development with powerful tools such as live previews and interactive shells.

License Type: Paid

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Python
  • Perl
  • PHP
  • Ruby
  • JavaScript
  • Tcl
  • Go (via extensions or custom configurations)
  • And more

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Customizable interface with split view and multi-window editing
  • Streamlined access to project files and assets

Customization Options:

  • Extensive theming options for personalized coding environments
  • Fully customizable key bindings and macros
  • Add-ons and plugins for extending functionality

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Auto-detection and syntax highlighting for over 100 languages
  • Visual debugging aids to improve code navigation and error spotting

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Multi-language debugging support
  • Interactive shells for real-time code testing
  • Remote debugging capabilities

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Active community forums and user groups
  • Comprehensive documentation and technical support

Download Now

6. Vim

Vim is a highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing. It’s known for its power and versatility, making it a favorite among developers, especially those who value speed and efficiency.

For students, Vim offers a lightweight, distraction-free environment ideal for learning programming fundamentals and advanced features alike.

License Type: Free/Open-Source

Supported Programming Languages:

  • C
  • Python
  • JavaScript
  • Go
  • Java

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • UNIX

User Interface and Experience:

  • Keyboard-centric interface with minimal reliance on the mouse
  • Steep learning curve but highly efficient once mastered

Customization Options:

  • Extensive plugin ecosystem
  • Fully customizable via vimrc configuration file
  • Key mappings can be entirely user-defined

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Syntax highlighting for hundreds of programming languages
  • Customizable color schemes

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Integrates with gdb for debugging
  • Supports plugins for language-specific debugging
  • Conditional breakpoints can be managed with additional plugins

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Active and supportive user community
  • Extensive online resources and documentation

Download Now

7. Atom

Atom, developed by GitHub, is a modern, approachable, and hackable text editor that’s fully customizable but also easy to use right out of the box.

It’s particularly beneficial for students as it offers an open-source platform that supports collaboration and real-time code editing with peers.

License Type: Free/Open-Source

Supported Programming Languages:

  • JavaScript
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Python
  • Java
  • C++
  • Go
  • And many others via community-packages

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Clean, user-friendly interface with a modern look
  • Supports split panes for editing multiple files side by side

Customization Options:

  • Thousands of open-source packages for enhanced functionality
  • Customizable themes for UI and syntax
  • Editable key bindings and user interface directly from the UI

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Robust syntax highlighting for a wide range of programming languages
  • Supports folding and tree view to navigate code easily

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Support for debugging tools through packages
  • Integration with build systems and compilers via external packages
  • Real-time feedback and linting with packages

Version Control Integration: Yes (built-in support for Git and GitHub)

Community and Support:

  • Strong community-driven development and support
  • Extensive documentation and forums

Download Now

8. Sublime Text with Go Sublime

Sublime Text is a versatile and fast text editor known for its speed and minimalistic interface, making it a favorite among developers for multiple programming languages.

With the GoSublime plugin, it becomes a powerful environment for Go development, offering tools tailored to streamline coding, debugging, and testing in Go.

License Type: Paid

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Go (with GoSublime plugin)
  • JavaScript
  • Python
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Java
  • C++
  • and more

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Highly efficient, lightweight design
  • Multiple tabs and split editing to manage various projects simultaneously

Customization Options:

  • Extensive color schemes and themes available
  • User-defined snippets, macros, and key bindings
  • Plugin architecture for extending functionality

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Powerful syntax highlighting customizable for various programming languages
  • “Goto Anything” feature for quick navigation and visualization of code components

Code Autocompletion: Yes (enhanced by GoSublime)

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Integrates with external debugging tools via plugins
  • Inline error messages and build systems
  • Quick edit and preview capabilities

Version Control Integration: Yes (through plugins)

Community and Support:

  • Large, active community
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem supported by users and third-party developers

Download Now

9. Replit

Replit is an online IDE that provides a collaborative and instant coding environment for various programming languages directly in your browser.

It’s especially useful for students and educators because it supports real-time collaboration and comes with built-in features for classroom management and peer programming.

License Type: Free (basic features), Paid (additional features)

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Python
  • JavaScript (Node.js)
  • HTML/CSS
  • Java
  • C++
  • Go
  • And many more

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Clean, intuitive web-based interface
  • Easy to start and share projects with a single click

Customization Options:

  • Light and dark mode settings
  • Configurable editor settings like key bindings and themes
  • Ability to add custom run commands and environment variables

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Automatic syntax highlighting for all supported languages
  • Code folding and customizable indent guides

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Built-in debugger for several languages
  • Console for real-time output and error logs
  • Network inspection and performance analysis tools

Version Control Integration: Yes (Git integration available)

Community and Support:

  • Vibrant community forums and FAQs
  • Regular updates and active developer support

Download Now

10. Zeus IDE

Zeus IDE is known for its fast, fully scriptable environment which supports a wide array of programming tasks and languages, including Go through customization.

It’s particularly beneficial for developers looking for a highly customizable and efficient coding tool with a focus on keyboard shortcuts and quick editing features.

License Type: Paid

Supported Programming Languages:

  • C/C++
  • Python
  • Go (with configurations)
  • Java
  • PHP
  • Perl
  • And many others through user-defined configurations

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows

User Interface and Experience:

  • Highly configurable interface optimized for speed and efficiency
  • Keyboard-centric design with extensive shortcut support

Customization Options:

  • Extensive scripting capabilities using Lua or Python
  • Fully customizable keyboard mappings and templates
  • User-defined toolbars and menus for tailored workflow

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Advanced syntax highlighting for multiple languages
  • Code folding and structured project view

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Seamless integration with external compilers and debuggers
  • Build systems for multiple languages
  • Error checking and inline warnings

Version Control Integration: Yes (supports Git, SVN, and other major version control systems through plugins)

Community and Support:

  • Active user forum for support and sharing scripts
  • Regular updates and enhancements from the developer

Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some of the best free Golang IDEs and code editors available?

Some popular free Golang IDEs that provide robust features for Golang development are:

  • Visual Studio Code
  • Atom
  • LiteIDE

2. What is the key difference between Golang IDE and Code Editor?

The key difference is that a Golang IDE provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development, including debugging and build automation, whereas a code editor is a simpler tool for writing and editing code, often with syntax highlighting and limited integration features.

3. What are the key features to look for in the best Golang IDEs and code editors?

Key features to look for in the best Golang IDEs and code editors are syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging tools, efficient project management, and integration with version control systems.

4. Can you recommend Golang IDEs that are best for beginners?

Visual Studio Code and Atom are best for beginners due to their simplicity, extensive documentation, and supportive community.

5. Which Golang IDEs have strong community support and reliable customer service?

JetBrains’ GoLand and Visual Studio Code have strong community support and responsive customer service.

6. What tools are available in Golang IDEs for debugging code?

Tools available in Golang IDEs for debugging code include breakpoints, stack traces, and real-time variable inspection.

7. What Golang IDEs have the best integration with version control systems like Git?

GoLand and Visual Studio Code Golang IDEs have the best integration with version control systems like Git.

Wrapping Up

Selecting the right Golang IDE or code editor is much needed for enhancing your productivity and simplifying your development process.

Remember, the best Golang IDE or editor fits your specific workflow and helps you to write cleaner code.

So, take the time to explore these options, consider what features are most important to you, and choose a tool that will help you in learning Go programming.


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author

Thirumoorthy

Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education

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Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education

Subscribe