Exploring the best resources to learn Go for free in 2023

Learning to code can be challenging - we know this.

And part of that challenge starts before you even wrote a line of code.

The biggest dilemma you might face before you get started is what programming language to learn in the first place.

Many professionals might say you should start with something like Python or JavaScript, but there are many more options to explore.

One of these options we’ll look at today is Go.

If you’ve never heard of Go before, or maybe you’ve heard about it but don’t really know much about it - you’re in for a treat, it’s pretty darn cool! 😎

Let’s start with the basics…

What is Go?

Go, also known as Golang, is a statically typed, compiled programming language designed at Google by Robert Griesemer, Rob Pike, and Ken Thompson.

Launched in 2007, Go combines the efficiency and safety of statically typed languages with the ease of use and expressiveness of dynamically typed languages.

It's known for its simplicity, strong support for concurrent programming, and robust standard library.

Go is used to build a variety of software systems, from small scripts to large-scale network servers and distributed systems.

Its efficient compilation and execution, along with its unique approach to concurrency, make it an attractive choice for many types of projects.

A Brief History and Evolution of Go

Go was born out of frustration with the complexity and slowness of software development at Google, which involved working with massive codebases in languages like C++ and Java.

The creators of Go sought to design a language that would eliminate unnecessary complexity, improve productivity, and most importantly, make programming fun again.

Since its introduction, Go has undergone several updates, each enhancing its functionality, performance, and ease of use.

Today, it's used by many high-profile companies, including Google, Uber, and Dropbox, and has a vibrant and growing community of developers.

Why Learn Go?

Learning Go offers several benefits.

Its simplicity and clarity make it easy to learn, especially for those new to programming.

The language's design encourages good software engineering practices, while its powerful standard library and support for concurrent programming allow you to build high-performance applications with less code.

Go is particularly well-suited for projects involving networking, distributed systems, cloud services, and data pipelines.

Its efficient garbage collection and native support for concurrent programming make it ideal for high-performance computing tasks.

Also, the growing popularity of Go in the industry means that learning it could open up new job opportunities.

Coming up, we'll explore the best free resources to help you learn and master Go programming. Whatever your background, these resources will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become proficient in Go.

Let’s take a look…

#1 - The Official Go Docs

In the "Get Started with Go" tutorial from the official Go Docs, you’ll be introduced to the basics of Go programming.

The tutorial guides you through the process of installing Go, writing your first "Hello, world" program, and using the 'go' command to execute your code.

It also introduces the Go package discovery tool, a valuable resource for finding external packages to enhance your own code.

Furthermore, it teaches how to call functions from an external module, providing a comprehensive starting point for anyone new to Go.

Other key resources from the Go docs site:

• Go Tour - Interactive tutorial
• Effective Go - Reference guide for Go syntax, formatting, functions and more!
• Go Playground - Online tool to practice writing in Go
• FAQs - Frequently asked questions about the Go project

#2 - Codecademy

Codcademy's "Learn Go" course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Go programming language.

The course covers the setup of a Go environment, the creation of a Go file, data types and variables, conditional statements, and the use of functions in Go. It also includes practical projects such as printing ASCII art, simulating a bank heist and calling the functions of a space-travelling agency, allowing you to apply your new skills in real-world scenarios.

As Go's popularity continues to rise, this course provides a solid foundation for those looking to explore this powerful language.

#3 - Go By Example

Go by Example is a practical, hands-on tutorial website that introduces you to the Go programming language through annotated example programs.

The site covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts like "Hello World", variables, and constants, to more advanced topics such as goroutines, channels, and stateful goroutines.

It also goes into practical applications like file handling, testing and benchmarking, and creating HTTP clients and servers.

This comprehensive resource provides a step-by-step guide to learning Go, making it an excellent tool for beginner programmers looking to expand their Go knowledge.

#4 - Programiz

Programiz's "Learn Go Programming" tutorial is a step-by-step guide designed to help you get to grips with the Go programming language.

The tutorial is structured into several sections, starting with an introduction to Go and its importance, followed by detailed explanations of flow control, data structures, functions, pointers, and interfaces. It also covers additional topics like variables and constants, data types, print statements, user input, comments, operators, and type casting.

This detailed tutorial is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn Go at their own pace, regardless of your programming experience.

#5 - TutorialsPoint

TutorialsPoint's "Learn Go Programming" tutorial is specifically designed for software programmers who are new to Go and wish to gain a solid understanding of the language.

The tutorial aims to provide a foundation from which you can advance yourself to higher levels of Go expertise.

While it's beneficial for learners to have a basic understanding of computer programming terminologies and a good command of C for a smoother learning experience, the tutorial is structured to be accessible and beneficial to all learners, regardless of your previous programming experience.

Bonus - YouTube Videos

YouTube can also be a great place to get started with learning Go, especially if videos are more your thing.

Here are some great YouTube channels for learning Go:

• Golang Tutorial for Beginners - by freeCodeCamp
• Go / Golang Crash Course - by Traversy Media
• Golang Cafe channel
• Bitfield Consulting channel

In conclusion, the Go programming language, with its simplicity, efficiency, and robust standard library, offers a unique and powerful toolset for modern software development.

If you’re a beginner embarking on your coding journey, learning Go can open up new opportunities and enhance your understanding of programming concepts.

The resources we've explored in this article provide a wealth of information for learning Go, so there’s very little stopping you from getting started!

The journey to mastering any programming language is a marathon, not a race. So remember to take your time, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes - that's how we learn best.

With these resources and a commitment to continuous learning, you'll be well on your way to becoming proficient in Go programming.

All you have to do is Go for it!

From your fellow ever-growing dev,

Cherlock Code

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