goenv
goenv manages Go versions on Linux and macOS, with choices for a global setup, a particular project, or an environment-variable override.
What goenv is
goenv manages Go versions on Linux and macOS, with choices for a global setup, a particular project, or an environment-variable override. Shim executables in PATH route Go commands to the installation selected for the current context. Its installation guide says it downloads prebuilt Go binaries provided by Google, and new versions are added automatically on a daily cron schedule. The project identifies v3 as its current stable release and recommends it for new installations; it also says v3 is fully backward compatible with v2. The v2 line receives security patches and critical bug fixes, with support ending on or before December 31, 2028. Setup documentation covers Bash and Zsh, with a note for Ubuntu users to edit .bashrc. Installation instructions include Homebrew and the ZPlug plugin manager for Zsh, and the README includes AWS CodeBuild guidance. goenv is free at no cost and uses the MIT license. Its supported scope is Go version management, including project version pinning, automatic switching, shell integration, and CI/CD usage.
Good
- Selects Go versions globally, per project, or by environment variable.
- Routes Go commands through PATH shims.
- Adds new Go versions on a daily schedule.
- Supports Bash, Zsh, and AWS CodeBuild guidance.
- Free under the MIT license.
Watch out
- Documented operating systems are Linux and macOS.
- Setup requires shell configuration.
- The v2 support period ends on or before December 31, 2028.
Who it suits
goenv suits Go developers on Linux or macOS who need different Go versions for global use or individual projects. Its shell setup and AWS CodeBuild guidance are relevant to users configuring development or CI environments.
Verdict
goenv provides context-based Go version selection with shell integration and project pinning. The project recommends v3 for new installations and documents continued critical fixes for v2 through its stated support period.
Plans and prices
From goenv's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| goenv | Free | Go version management · MIT license |
The facts
Each one read from goenv's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- CI usage
- The README includes guidance for using goenv in AWS CodeBuild.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Command routing
- goenv uses shim executables in PATH to route Go commands to the selected installation.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The project says v3 is fully backward compatible with v2.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The project identifies v3 as its current stable version and recommends it for new installations.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The installation page documents Homebrew and a ZPlug plugin manager for Zsh.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Legacy support
- The project says v2 receives security patches and critical bug fixes, with support ending on or before December 31, 2028.checked 3 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies its license as MIT.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- goenv manages Go versions using a model similar to pyenv and rbenv.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Shell setup
- The installation guide gives setup instructions for Bash and Zsh, and notes Ubuntu users should edit .bashrc.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The README documents Homebrew installation for macOS and Linux.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Version discovery
- New Go versions are added automatically on a daily cron schedule.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Version installation
- The installation guide says goenv downloads and places prebuilt Go binaries provided by Google.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Version selection
- It supports global, per-project, and environment-variable overrides for the Go version.checked 3 Oct 2026
