go-install

Compile and install the current package

$ go install

$ go install [path/to/package]

$ go install [golang.org/x/tools/gopls]@[latest]

$ go install [golang.org/x/tools/gopls]

go install [build flags] [-i] [packages]

-i
    Installs dependencies of packages before installing them. Deprecated since Go 1.17; use go mod download instead.

-a
    Rebuilds packages even if up-to-date.

-gcflags
    Arguments for the GC compiler (e.g., '-gcflags=all=-N -l').

-ldflags
    Arguments for the linker (e.g., '-ldflags=-s -w').

-tags
    Comma-separated build tags to consider satisfied.

-linkshared
    Link against shared libraries previously created with -buildmode=shared.

-v
    Print verbose output.

The go install command compiles and installs Go packages, creating executables for main packages and library archives for others. Binaries are placed in $GOBIN (defaulting to $GOPATH/bin or $HOME/go/bin). In module-aware mode (default since Go 1.11), it resolves dependencies via go.mod and supports pseudo-versions like package@latest or package@v1.2.3.

It differs from go build by permanently installing the output, making it available system-wide. Dependencies are installed transitively unless in GOPATH mode without -i. Supports cross-compilation via GOOS and GOARCH. Ideal for tools and CLI apps, e.g., go install github.com/spf13/cobra@latest. Since Go 1.16, workspace and module caching optimize repeated installs. Does not update go.mod; use go get for that.

Does not modify go.mod or add packages to import path permanently; binaries only. -i deprecated—prefer module tools. Fails if dependencies missing without -i in GOPATH mode. GOPATH mode legacy.

go install github.com/user/tool@latest
go install ./cmd/myapp
go install -ldflags='-s -w' .

GOPATH: Workspace root (legacy).
GOBIN: Binary install dir.
GOOS/GOARCH: Cross-compile targets.

Introduced in Go 1.0 for GOPATH workflow. Enhanced with modules in Go 1.11 for dependency resolution. Go 1.16 shifted default to module mode, standardized binary paths via GOBIN. Go 1.17 deprecated -i flag. Evolved for workspaces in Go 1.18+.

go build(1), go get(1), go mod(1), go list(1)