KateLinux
vs
JetBrains GoLandWindows
Kate as a Linux alternative to JetBrains GoLand
Updated
Our verdict
Kate is a capable lightweight alternative for Go developers who prefer a text editor over a heavy IDE. It handles syntax highlighting, LSP-based completion, and basic debugging via DAP. However, it lacks GoLand's deep, out-of-the-box integration with Go tooling like go test and go build commands. If you rely on GoLand’s specific refactoring wizards or complex project management, Kate will feel limiting. For simple projects or those comfortable configuring LSP servers manually, Kate works well, but it is not a drop-in replacement for professional Go development workflows.
- License
- LGPL-2.1+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.04.2 (June 4, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Syntax highlighting for Go
- Integrated terminal for running commands
- Git version control integration
- Code completion via LSP
- Basic debugging support via DAP
What is different
- Lacks dedicated Go toolchain integration (build/test/run buttons)
- No specialized Go refactoring tools (rename/move) beyond LSP capabilities
- Project management is basic folder-based rather than structured IDE projects
- Requires manual configuration of LSP/DAP servers for Go
- Less intuitive for complex multi-module Go workspaces
Opening your JetBrains GoLand files
Kate opens standard Go source files (.go) directly. It does not read GoLand project configuration files (.idea folder) or run configurations. You will need to recreate your run/debug configurations manually in Kate or use external scripts. Existing code files remain fully compatible as plain text.
Switching from JetBrains GoLand to Kate, step by step
- Install gopls (Go Language Server) and delve (debugger) on your system
- Open your Go project folder in Kate
- Configure LSP for Go in Kate settings pointing to gopls
- Set up DAP for debugging pointing to delve
- Create keyboard shortcuts for common go build/test commands in the terminal
- Verify completion and debugging work before relying on it daily
Key features of Kate
- Syntax highlighting for 300+ languages
- Multiple cursors and selections
- LSP and DAP support for code intelligence and debugging
- Built-in terminal and filesystem browser
- Git integration and folder-wide search
- Vi mode and customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Project support with folder opening
- Extensible via plugins and JavaScript scripting
How to install Kate on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.kde.katesudo apt install katesudo apt install katesudo dnf install katesudo pacman -S katesudo zypper install kateFrequently asked questions
Does Kate have a built-in Go debugger?
No, Kate uses DAP (Debug Adapter Protocol) to interact with external debuggers. You must install and configure Delve separately for Go debugging to work.
Can I run 'go test' directly from Kate?
Not with a dedicated button. You must run 'go test' in the integrated terminal or set up a custom command shortcut. It lacks GoLand's specific test runner UI.
Is Kate suitable for large Go monorepos?
It depends. LSP can handle large codebases, but Kate's project management is simpler than GoLand's. Navigation might feel slower without GoLand's indexed search and refactoring tools.
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