> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.scriptchildie.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.scriptchildie.com/malware-development-in-golang-introduction/golang-programming-intro/1.-preparing-the-go-environment.md).

# 1. Preparing the Go Environment

\#golang

To run and execute code in Go you should first download the compiler. The installers for Linux, macOS and Windows can all be found on the official website [here](https://go.dev/doc/install).

Once the compiler is installed we run the following command to make sure everything is working as expected

```
go version
```

<figure><img src="https://1525675160-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1BtmYYGIbNqDCOEq0YOj%2Fuploads%2FHDL7cWGDCOwr1WGsAlKU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=96e87dbd-1cbd-42a3-942a-ae24647ddc03" alt=""><figcaption><p>Go Version</p></figcaption></figure>

Then it is highly recommended to install an IDE. It helps with code suggestions and highlighting errors in our code. My personal preference is [VScode](https://code.visualstudio.com/download). I like it that I can use the same IDE in every OS.&#x20;

When VSCode is installed we go ahead and install the GO language support for VSCode from the extensions:

<figure><img src="https://1525675160-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1BtmYYGIbNqDCOEq0YOj%2Fuploads%2F45Eq6eaIiyJFO7QVHqBq%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f5f5f157-635e-4a46-b7a8-4b87b4279d98" alt=""><figcaption><p>Go Extension in VSCode</p></figcaption></figure>