GoLand 2026.3 Help

Migrating from Visual Studio Code to GoLand

This guide explains how to move from Visual Studio Code to GoLand.

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) uses extensions for Go support. GoLand is an IDE for Go development that includes code completion, refactoring, and debugging tools.

Contents

This guide covers the following topics:

  • Preparing for migration: back up the Visual Studio Code settings and projects that you want to keep.

  • Installing and configuring GoLand: to install and configure GoLand, use the JetBrains Toolbox App. After installation, configure the Go SDK, select a keymap, and install any plugins that you need.

  • Differences in user interfaces: when transitioning from Visual Studio Code to GoLand, you will notice differences in their user interfaces. This topic describes the most noticeable of them.

  • Differences in workflows: this section outlines the workflow differences between the two IDEs, including autosave, actions on save, and Search Everywhere.

GoLand functionality

The following functionality may be useful when you move from Visual Studio Code:

  1. Settings and keymaps: GoLand can import selected VS Code settings during the first run. You can also select the VS Code keymap manually in Settings | Keymap. For more information, refer to Setting a Visual Studio Code keymap.

  2. Debugger: run and debug Go applications in the IDE.

  3. Full Line code completion: local code completion that does not send code over the Internet.

  4. Refactoring: available refactorings include:

    • Rename: safely changes variable names, functions, and package names throughout your entire project.

    • Change signature: modifies function signatures with automatic correction of all call sites.

    • Extract refactorings: extracts code into constants, variables, methods, or interfaces.

    • Inline: replaces a variable or method call with its contents.

    • Move: relocates functions, methods, or types to different packages or files to improve project structure.

    • Safe delete: removes elements safely by checking for existing usages and dependencies.

  5. Terraform and OpenTofu support: code completion, live templates, quick documentation, and navigation.

  6. Intentions and quick-fixes: suggestions and fixes, such as implementing interface methods or converting loop styles.

  7. Testing: run and debug tests, navigate to failed tests, and view coverage reports.

  8. Bundled Database and SQL tools: connect to databases, browse data, and write SQL queries.

  9. Kubernetes support: connect to clusters, view resources and logs, and manage deployments.

  10. IdeaVim plugin: add Vim emulation to the IDE.

17 September 2026
User interfacePreparing for migration