GVM

What GVM is

GVM is a free tool for managing Go versions on Linux and macOS. It can install and remove Go versions by tag, including releases and tip, and `gvm listall` displays available release tags with an option for weekly builds. The `gvm diff` command shows files added to or removed from GOROOT. GVM also manages GOPATH package sets, including sets kept within a repository, and can link project directories into GOPATH. Package sets can use their own native code and dependencies through an overlay prefix and related environment variables. Installation options include choosing a source or name and setting up protobufs or build tools, with options to prefer or require binaries. The listed scope includes project version pinning, lockfile support, automatic switching, shell integration, and CI/CD use. Installation requires Bison, while platform instructions also list tools such as Git, Mercurial, Make, and GCC. Compiling Go 1.5 or later requires an existing Go installation for bootstrapping; Go 1.4 is given as an example. The repository includes an MIT license.

Who it suits

It suits Go developers who want to manage versions and GOPATH package sets, including repository-local sets. The listed capabilities also cover project version pinning, automatic switching, shell integration, and CI/CD use.

Limits

Compiling Go 1.5 and later requires an existing Go installation for bootstrapping; the instructions give Go 1.4 as an example. Installation also requires Bison and may call for Git, Mercurial, Make, and GCC.

Getting started

1. Open the GVM repository on GitHub.
2. Install Bison and the additional tools required by your platform instructions.
3. Use an existing Go installation for bootstrapping when compiling Go 1.5 or later.
4. Install and manage Go versions by tag, and use package sets for projects.

Verdict

GVM combines Go version management with GOPATH package-set features and project integration. Review its build prerequisites before installing, especially if compiling newer Go versions.