Lesson 10: Go setup and toolchain: Project integration

Concept Explanation

"Go setup and toolchain: Project integration" pulls together the basics in one small but realistic workflow. Instead of writing isolated snippets, you will build a tiny command-line task tracker that stores tasks in memory, prints clear status messages, and keeps the code organized in simple functions. The goal is to practice beginner-level Go structure while getting used to explicit errors, readable output, and small pieces of logic that work well together. By the end, you should feel comfortable reading a short Go program from top to bottom and understanding how its parts connect.

Where to Put the Code

1. Define color and position variables at the top.
2. Create shape drawing or placement logic in the middle.
3. Render output (print, canvas, SVG, or styled block) at the end.

Command Reference

• Run the program and confirm that each task prints with a readable status label.
• Change one task from todo to done, then rerun and compare the output.
• Keep related logic in small functions so main stays easy to scan.
• Check that your names, output, and control flow are clear enough for another beginner to follow.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Read the example and identify what data belongs in the Task struct.
2. Run the baseline version once and note how the output is formatted.
3. Extract repeated display logic into a helper function if it is not already separated.
4. Make one focused improvement, such as changing status text or adding another task.
5. Review the final program and confirm that the flow from data to output is easy to explain.

Practice Exercises

• Add a function that counts how many tasks are completed and print the result.
• Create a second task list for a different project and print both lists cleanly.
• Rewrite the output format so unfinished tasks stand out more clearly.

Coding Challenges

• Return an error when someone tries to create a task with an empty title.
• Split the program into more than one file while keeping the code easy to navigate.

Mini Practice Tasks

• Add one new task to the list.
• Rename one function or variable to make its purpose clearer.
• Write one sentence describing what this program does.