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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchUse go run . to compile and run a Go program while you develop it; use go build when you want a separate executable file. If you want to install a command so you can run it by name from elsewhere, use go install.
What you need to run a Go program
The official Go getting-started tutorial expects some programming experience, an editor, and a terminal. Start by installing Go using the instructions linked from that tutorial. You will also need a Go module containing your program.
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Go organizes code into packages, and packages into modules. A program intended to run as a command uses package main. The official Go code guide explains this organization and the executable-package requirement.
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Open a terminal in the module directory and run:
go run .The dot tells the Go command to use the package in the current directory. Go compiles and runs the program, which makes this a convenient way to try changes without first creating a separate executable file. The official compile-and-install tutorial describes go run as a shortcut for frequent development runs; it does not generate a binary executable.
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Build an executable file
When you want a file you can run separately, open a terminal in the application directory and use:
go buildThe Go command compiles the packages and their dependencies. It does not install the result. In the tutorial’s example, the built program can be run from the application directory as ./hello on Linux or macOS, or hello.exe on Windows. The output name and invocation depend on the command and operating system, so follow the name produced for your project.
Choose the command for your goal
| Command | Use it when | Result |
|---|---|---|
go run . |
You want to compile and run the current package during development. | Runs the program without generating a binary executable. |
go build |
You want an executable file to run separately. | Builds the program and its dependencies but does not install them. |
go install |
You want to install a command so it can be invoked by name from your shell. | Installs the command in the Go install location; the location and shell-path setup vary by platform and environment. |
These commands are part of Go’s package-oriented toolchain, not a general-purpose build system. Go’s documentation about the go command describes how it automates downloading, building, installing, and testing Go packages and commands.
Install a command for use by name
Building a file and installing a command are separate tasks. If you want to invoke your command without staying in its application directory, use go install. The Go tutorial provides platform-specific examples and explains how to find or configure the install location. Make sure that location is included in your shell’s PATH; otherwise, the shell may not find the command by name.
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A practical first-run sequence
- Install Go using the official getting-started instructions.
- Create or open a module, then write your executable program in a
package main. - From the module directory, run
go run .to compile and launch the program. - When you need a separate executable, run
go buildfrom the application directory and launch the resulting file. - Use
go installinstead if your goal is to run the command by name from other directories, and ensure the install location is on your shell path.
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