Go Build vs. Go Install: What's the Real Difference?

Understanding the Difference Between "go build" and "go install"

The Go programming language provides two commands for managing builds: "go build" and "go install." While the documentation briefly mentions their functions, it doesn't clarify the specific differences between the two.

What "go build" Does

"go build" primarily focuses on compiling Go source code into an executable file. It doesn't modify the GOPATH environment variable, which holds critical information about package locations. Instead, it places the compiled executable in the current directory unless a specific output path is provided using the "-o" flag.

What "go install" Does

"go install" performs a more comprehensive set of tasks:

• Compilation: Similar to "go build," it compiles the Go source code into an executable file.
• Placement: Unlike "go build," it moves the executable to your $GOPATH/bin directory. This ensures that the command is accessible system-wide.
• Caching: "go install" also caches all non-main packages used in the build within your $GOPATH/pkg directory. This cache speeds up subsequent compilations of dependent packages, as long as the source code remains unchanged.

Customizing the Installation Location

By default, "go install" places the executable in $GOPATH/bin. However, you can't specify a custom installation location, like you would with "make install."

Alternatives to "go install"

If you require more flexibility in specifying the installation location, consider creating a Makefile to handle the installation process. This allows you to define specific rules and paths for compiling and installing.

Summary of Unterschiede

Command	Purpose	Executable Location	Caching
go build	Compiles source code	Current directory or specified path	No
go install	Compiles, installs, and caches	$GOPATH/bin	Yes

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