Our verdict: GoLand is the most complete IDE built specifically for Go: navigation, inspections, refactoring, the debugger and the test runner all understand Go modules out of the box. Unlike several other JetBrains IDEs it has no free non-commercial license, so after the 30-day trial you pay or switch. VS Code with the free Go extension covers the basics for nothing.
About GoLand
GoLand is JetBrains' IntelliJ-based IDE for the Go language. It offers context-aware completion that adds imports on the fly, on-the-fly inspections with quick-fixes, rename and extract refactorings, a debugger with watches and inline values, a runner for tests, benchmarks and coverage, and a Go Tools menu. It also inherits WebStorm's JavaScript and TypeScript support and includes database tools for SQL, plus Git, a terminal and Docker integration.
New users get a 30-day trial with all features that starts anonymously, without a JetBrains Account or card. When it ends, GoLand stops working until you activate a paid license; the individual subscription on the official pricing page costs €109 for the first year, €87 for the second and €65 from the third. Students and teachers can apply for free educational licenses. Go itself must be installed separately.
What it does well
- Go code insight. Completion, inspections and quick-fixes that add imports automatically.
- Debugger. Breakpoints, watches, Evaluate Expression and inline values for apps and tests.
- Tests and coverage. Runs and debugs tests and benchmarks and shows coverage per statement.
- Refactoring. Rename, extract and safe changes across the whole module.
- Web and SQL tools. JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML and a database client in the same IDE.
Who it is for
Good fit
Professional Go developers who want a full IDE with strong refactoring, debugging and database tools.
Look elsewhere
Hobbyists who do not want a subscription, and people on low-RAM PCs; VS Code with the Go extension is free.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Deep Go-specific code analysis
- Excellent debugger and test runner
- Database and web tools built in
- Trial needs no account or card
Cons
- Stops working after the 30-day trial without a paid license
- No free non-commercial license, unlike CLion or WebStorm
- Heavier on RAM than VS Code with the Go extension
How to install GoLand
Install Go from go.dev first. Download the Windows installer from jetbrains.com or use the JetBrains Toolbox App, which also handles updates. On first launch the 30-day trial starts automatically; afterwards activate a license under Help > Register. Point GOROOT to your Go installation if GoLand does not detect it.
Questions about GoLand
Is GoLand free?
No. GoLand has a free 30-day trial with all features and no account required. After that you need a subscription: €109 for the first year for individuals on the official pricing page. Students and teachers can get free educational licenses.
Does GoLand include Go?
No. Install the Go toolchain from go.dev; GoLand then detects it or lets you choose the GOROOT in settings.
Is there a free alternative to GoLand?
Visual Studio Code with the official Go extension is free and covers completion, debugging and tests through gopls and Delve.
