Go is an open-source programming language designed for building simple, reliable and efficient software. Also known as Golang, it is statically typed and has clear syntax similar to C. Go project aims to be approachable for new programmers while being powerful for experienced developers. Golang was started development by Google engineers Robert Griesemer, Rob Pike, and Ken Thompson in 2007.
Some key highlights about the Go programming language:
Go is a statically typed language, meaning types of values are known at compile-time rather than run-time. This catches many errors early.
It has a clean and simple syntax that draws similarities from C++ but reduces complexity. Code is easy to read and write.
Documentation and learning resources are easily discoverable on the official website golang.org. It is the primary destination for all things Go.
Many large companies have adopted and use Go extensively, demonstrating its reliability at scale. Some examples include Google, Cloudflare, Dropbox, MongoDB, Netflix, SoundCloud, Twitch, Uber etc.
Other advantages include built-in support for concurrency via lightweight threads called goroutines and message passing style using channels.
Features like garbage collection, good performance, statically compiled binaries also contribute to its popularity.
A large and growing ecosystem of open-source packages further expands its capabilities for various use cases.
Large companies like Google, Amazon, Netflix, Twitter, DigitalOcean, GitLab etc integrated Go into their tech stacks.
Advantages:
Fast compilation and execution speeds due to statically compiled binaries. This makes the build-run-debug cycle very efficient.
No need for a virtual machine (VM) since it compiles to native code. This improves performance.
Automatic memory management through garbage collection eliminates bugs caused by manually managing memory.
Built-in concurrency features like goroutines and channels simplify concurrent programming.
Large and well-maintained standard library reduces need to rely on external dependencies.
Disadvantages:
Lacks generics/templates which are commonly used in other languages to write abstract and reusable code.
Strict formatting and naming conventions that may take some getting used to for developers familiar with other languages.
Not compatible with some object-oriented features like method overloading and inheritance.
Reflection capabilities are limited compared to dynamic languages.
Technical Skills:
Strong understanding of Go syntax, core libraries, tools and frameworks
Experience with databases like BoltDB, MongoDB, SQLite
Exposure to web technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Hands-on with cloud platforms and hosting environments like AWS, GCP, Azure
Knowledge of software design patterns, data structures and algorithms
Experience with version control systems like Git and GitHub
Exposure to other programming languages like C/C++, Java, Python
Soft Skills:
Logical and analytical thinking to problem-solve
Attention to detail and producing quality code
Effective communication and documentation skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams
Keenness to continuously learn and adapt to changing trends
Familiarity with software development processes like Agile/Scrum
Languages skills for global opportunities
Earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT or a related field. Relevant subjects help gain foundations.
Learn Go programming language concepts in-depth - variables, functions, interfaces etc.
Build small projects on your own to get hands-on experience with Go syntax, tools and frameworks.