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Getting Started with Go

Learn the basics of Go, an open source programming language originally developed by a team at Google and enhanced by many contributors from the open source community. This course is designed for individuals with previous programming experience using such languages as C, Python, or Java, and covers the fundamental elements of Go. Topics include data types, protocols, formats, and writing code that incorporates RFCs and JSON. Most importantly, you’ll have a chance to practice writing Go programs and receive feedback from your peers. Upon completing this course, you'll be able to implement simple Go programs, which will prepare you for subsequent study at a more advanced level.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Specialization

Introduction to the Course

Learn the basics of Go, an open source programming language originally developed by a team at Google and enhanced by many contributors from the open source community. This is the first in a series of three courses comprising the Programming with Google Go specialization. It is designed for individuals with previous programming experience using such languages as C, Python, or Java, and covers the fundamental elements of Go. Topics include data types, protocols, formats, and writing code that incorporates RFCs and JSON. Most importantly, you’ll have a chance to practice writing Go programs and receive feedback from your peers. Upon completing this course, you’ll be able to implement simple Go programs, which will prepare you for the remaining two courses in this specialization: Functions, Methods, and Interfaces in Go and Concurrency in Go.

Module 1: Getting Started with Go

This first module gets you started with Go. You'll learn about the advantages of using Go and begin exploring the language's features. Midway through the module, you’ll take a break from "theory" and install the Go programming environment on your computer. At the end of the module, you'll write a simple program that displays “Hello, World” on your screen.

Module 2: Basic Data Types

Now that you’ve set up your programming environment and written a test program, you’re ready to dive into data types. This module introduces data types in Go and gives you practice writing routines that manipulate different kinds of data objects, including floating-point numbers and strings.

Module 3: Composite Data Types

At this point, we’re ready to move into more complex data types, including arrays, slices, maps, and structs. As in the previous module, you’ll have a chance to practice writing code that makes use of these data types.

Module 4: Protocols and Formats

This final module of the course introduces the use of remote function calls (RFCs) and JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) in Go. You’ll learn how to access and manipulate data from external files, and have an opportunity to write several routines using Go that exercise this functionality.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Ian Harris, a recognized expert in the Go programming language

Provides a strong foundation for beginners in the Go programming language

Develops skills in writing simple Go programs, preparing learners for advanced study

Part of a series of three courses in Programming with Google Go

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Reviews summary

Getting started with go deep dive

Learners say this course is largely positive for those who have some programming experience. The assignments are reportedly challenging, and the peer-grading of assignments can be inconsistent. Students also report that the course is more suited for intermediate-level programmers and that beginners may struggle with the pace and content. Despite these drawbacks, learners say the course is well-structured and provides a good overview of the basics of Go. They also praise the instructor for his clear explanations and engaging teaching style.

Concepts are well explained by the the instructor.

"Well explained. Could go faster but I think it's a good introduction for beginners."

"Explanations are designed well to apply learning from each module!"

Assessments allow you to apply all that you have learned.

"Good course and easy to understand, i hope i can be a go developer soon"

"The flow of the course was very good. The teaching was very clear."

"Very structured course that can be useful even for those who is familiar with Go"

Course is for intermediate student with already programming knowledge.

"The course is for intermediate student with already programming knowledge. If you don't care the certificate just follow and practice this guide https://tour.golang.org"

"I think this course is a good introduction to Golang. I've especially liked the instructor's way of explaining things."

"This course assumes a good understanding of basic principles of programming."

Some assignments descriptions such as string with size 20, were not clear.

"Some assignments descriptions like string with size 20, were not clear/maybe copied from other language assignments."

"i think teacher should give more example, the exercise needs some package, command that wasn't mentioned in course"

"Needs updating. Should point to the Go Language's stdlib documentation."

Reviews are sometimes incorrect and can be challenging to get them reviewed again.

"Peer Evaluated assignments are useless, but the professor teaching method and the course itself is worth the time spent"

"los compañeros me calificaron mal solo por el idioma teniendo sin tener en cuenta que los algoritmos estaban bien."

"One should have an option to get it reviewed again or challenge the already done review."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Getting Started with Go with these activities:

Read 'The Go Programming Language'

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Will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Go programming, covering all the essential concepts

View Go Programming Language, The (Addison-Wesley... on Amazon

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Read through the book at your own pace
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Try out the examples and exercises provided in the book

Install Go environment

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Will familiarize you with the Go programming environment, which will be necessary for practical coursework

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Install Go from the official website
Set up your Go workspace
Install a code editor or IDE that supports Go

Join a Go study group

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Will allow you to connect with other Go learners, ask questions, and share knowledge

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Find a study group on platforms like Meetup or Discord
Attend study group meetings regularly
Participate in discussions and ask questions
Collaborate on projects with other group members

Two other activities

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Create a Go tutorial

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Will help you solidify your understanding of Go concepts by explaining them to others

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Choose a topic that you are comfortable with
Create an outline for your tutorial
Write the content of your tutorial
Publish your tutorial online or share it with others

Contribute to the Go open source community

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Will provide you with practical experience working on real-world Go projects

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Find a Go project that you are interested in
Fork the project and clone it to your local machine
Make changes to the project and create a pull request

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Go will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers create and maintain software systems for a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. To create a career in this field one should cultivate a robust understanding of computer science fundamentals and proficiency in at least one programming language. Getting Started with Go helps build this foundation through the lens of a particular programming language, Go, which is widely used in software development for its speed, efficiency, and simplicity. The insights gained through this course will allow aspiring Software Engineers to transition into the field or advance their careers with a mastery of yet another software development toolset.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing and coding websites and web applications. To excel in this role one must have a strong grasp of programming languages and an understanding of web architecture. Getting Started with Go can be a valuable companion on this journey because it provides a thorough introduction to the Go programming language which is used to build scalable and high-performance web applications. Acquiring this specialized knowledge will make aspiring Web Developers more competitive candidates for roles in this exciting and growing field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights and patterns that can be used to make informed decisions. Those interested in this career should have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Getting Started with Go may be useful to aspiring Data Scientists as it provides a foundation in a programming language that is known for its efficiency and ease of use when working with data. This will complement the statistical and analytical skills typically cultivated for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and securely. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of networking concepts and protocols. Getting Started with Go may be useful to Network Engineers as it provides an introduction to the Go programming language which has gained popularity in the networking domain due to its ability to handle high-performance network applications. Learning Go can equip aspiring Network Engineers with the necessary skills to thrive in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between software development and operations. They ensure that software is deployed and maintained efficiently and reliably. To excel in this role, one should have a strong understanding of both software development and operations practices. Getting Started with Go may be useful to DevOps Engineers as it provides an introduction to the Go programming language which is widely used in DevOps due to its efficiency and scalability. This exposure will complement the skillset of aspiring DevOps Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design and develop applications for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. To succeed in this role, one should have a strong understanding of mobile operating systems and programming languages. Getting Started with Go may be useful to Mobile Developers as it introduces the Go programming language which is gaining popularity in mobile development due to its cross-platform capabilities and high performance. Acquiring this knowledge will position aspiring Mobile Developers for success in building robust and efficient mobile applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, build, and manage cloud computing systems. To excel in this role, one should have a strong understanding of cloud computing concepts and technologies. Getting Started with Go may be useful to Cloud Engineers as it provides an introduction to the Go programming language which is widely used in cloud computing due to its efficiency and scalability. This exposure will provide aspiring Cloud Engineers with a valuable skillset for their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems. To succeed in this role, one should have a strong understanding of operating systems, networking, and security. Getting Started with Go may be useful to Systems Administrators as it introduces the Go programming language which is used in system administration for tasks such as system monitoring, automation, and configuration management. Acquiring this knowledge will equip aspiring Systems Administrators with practical skills for their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of information security principles and practices. Getting Started with Go may be a useful companion in this pursuit as it introduces the Go programming language which is used in information security for tasks such as cryptography, data encryption, and security auditing. This exposure will provide aspiring Information Security Analysts with valuable knowledge for their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Game Developer

Game Developers design and develop video games. To succeed in this role, one should have a strong understanding of game development concepts and programming languages. Getting Started with Go may be useful to Game Developers as it introduces the Go programming language which is gaining popularity in game development due to its performance and concurrency features. Acquiring this knowledge will give aspiring Game Developers a competitive edge in building engaging and immersive gaming experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers design and develop blockchain applications. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of blockchain technology and programming languages. Getting Started with Go may be useful to Blockchain Developers as it introduces the Go programming language which is widely used in blockchain development due to its efficiency and security features. This exposure will provide aspiring Blockchain Developers with essential knowledge for their roles in building secure and scalable blockchain solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers design and develop artificial intelligence systems. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of artificial intelligence concepts and programming languages. Getting Started with Go may be a useful companion in this journey because it introduces the Go programming language which is used in artificial intelligence for tasks such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. This exposure will equip aspiring Artificial Intelligence Engineers with practical skills for their roles in building intelligent and innovative systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create user manuals, technical documentation, and other written materials for software and hardware products. To succeed in this role, one should have a strong understanding of technical writing principles and practices. Getting Started with Go may be useful to Technical Writers as it introduces the Go programming language and provides an opportunity to practice writing code. This exposure will provide aspiring Technical Writers with valuable experience for their roles in producing clear and concise technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. To succeed in this role, one should have a strong understanding of project management principles and practices. Getting Started with Go may be useful to Project Managers as it introduces the Go programming language and provides an opportunity to practice writing code. This exposure will provide aspiring Project Managers with a valuable experience for their roles in managing software development projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. To succeed in this role, one should have a strong understanding of business analysis principles and practices. Getting Started with Go may be useful to Business Analysts as it introduces the Go programming language and provides an opportunity to practice writing code. This exposure will provide aspiring Business Analysts with a valuable experience for their roles in analyzing and improving business systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Getting Started with Go.

Go Programming Language

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Collection of essays from Go's creators on how to write idiomatic and efficient Go code. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic syntax to more advanced topics like concurrency and performance optimization. This book must-read for anyone who wants to write high-quality Go code.

Go Programming Language

Paperback

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Go Programming Language

Kindle Edition

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The Go Programming Language

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Introduces you to the basic syntax and semantics of the Go programming language and guides you through the process of writing basic Go programs. It is commonly used as a reference tool and textbook at several academic institutions.

Go Programming Language, The (Addison-Wesley...

Kindle Edition

Learning Go

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Comprehensive guide to the Go programming language. It covers all aspects of the language, from basic syntax to advanced topics like concurrency and networking. This book great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Go.

Learning Go: An Idiomatic Approach to Real-World Go...

Paperback

Learning Go: An Idiomatic Approach to Real-World Go...

Introducing Go

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This beginner-friendly book teaches you the Go programming language through a series of straightforward examples. It useful reference tool for those who want to quickly get started with the basics of Go.

Introducing Go: Build Reliable, Scalable Programs

Paperback

Introducing Go: Build Reliable, Scalable Programs

Kindle Edition

An Introduction to Programming in Go

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An Introduction to Programming in Go

Paperback

$$$$

Go in Practice

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Collection of practical examples of how to use Go to solve real-world problems. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic tasks like reading and writing files to more advanced tasks like building web applications and working with concurrency. This book great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Go.

Go in Practice: Includes 70 Techniques

Paperback

Go in Practice: Includes 70 Techniques

Kindle Edition

Learning Go

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Gentle introduction to the Go programming language. It covers the basics of the language, as well as more advanced topics like concurrency and web development. This book is perfect for those who want to learn Go from the ground up.

Learning Go: An Idiomatic Approach to Real-World Go...

Paperback

Learning Go: An Idiomatic Approach to Real-World Go...

Go in Action

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Teaches you how to use Go to solve real-world problems. It covers a wide range of topics, including concurrency, networking, and web development. It good resource for those who want to learn how to use Go in practice.

MongoDB and PHP

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Guide to web development with Go. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic HTTP to more advanced topics like authentication and security. This book is perfect for those who want to learn how to build web applications with Go.

MongoDB and PHP: Document-Oriented Data for Web...

Paperback

MongoDB and PHP: Document-Oriented Data for Web...

Kindle Edition

Go Programming - From Beginner to Professional

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Beginner's guide to the Go programming language. It covers the basics of the language, as well as more advanced topics like concurrency and web development. This book is perfect for those who want to learn Go from the ground up.

Go Programming - From Beginner to Professional -...

Paperback

Go Programming - From Beginner to Professional:...

Kindle Edition

Programming in Go

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Provides an in-depth overview of the Go programming language and its features. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the language's internals and advanced concepts.

Programming in Go: Creating Applications for the...

Paperback

Programming in Go: Creating Applications for the...

Unknown Binding

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Programming in Go: Creating Applications for the...

Kindle Edition

A Southern Boy in Blue

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Southern Boy in Blue: Memoir if Marcus Woodcock...

Paperback

Go: Design Patterns for Real-World Projects

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Collection of design patterns for Go. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic patterns like the singleton pattern to more advanced patterns like the observer pattern. This book is perfect for those who want to learn how to write reusable and maintainable Go code.

Go: Design Patterns for Real-World Projects

Kindle Edition

$$$

Go Cookbook

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Teaches you how to use Go to develop web applications. It covers a wide range of topics, including HTTP, web frameworks, and database integration. It good resource for those who want to learn how to use Go to build web applications.

Go Cookbook: Expert Solutions for Commonly Needed...

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Effort

4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week

Level

Intermediate

Via

Coursera

Institution

University of California, Irvine

Instructor

Ian Harris

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی

This course belongs to a collection called Programming with Google Go. It's comprised of three courses:

Concurrency in Go
Getting Started with Go (viewing)
Functions, Methods, and Interfaces in Go

Good to know

Taught by Ian Harris, a recognized expert in the Go programming language

Provides a strong foundation for beginners in the Go programming language

Develops skills in writing simple Go programs, preparing learners for advanced study

Part of a series of three courses in Programming with Google Go

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