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Go / Delete Module Cache

Delete Module Cache

Deletes the module cache in Go.

$
Terminal
go clean -modcache

When To Use

When transitioning between major versions of dependencies or troubleshooting package imports.

Pro Tip

Run 'go clean -modcache -x' to get a detailed output of what is being purged; can reveal leftover artifacts causing issues.

Anatomy of Output

Understanding the result

Removing module cache... Action Status

Indicates the module cache deletion process has started.

Cleared cache for 3 modules Cleared Count

Confirms how many modules were cleared.

No additional directories found. Additional Directories Status

Indicates if there were any other module directories present.

Power User Variants

Optimized versions

go clean -modcache -i

Additionally installs the required modules after cleaning.

go clean -modcache -x

Verbose logging while cleaning the module cache.

Troubleshooting

Common pitfalls

go: module cache directory not found

Solution: Ensure your Go environment is set up correctly. Consider checking GOPATH.

cannot remove module: permission denied

Solution: Check directory permissions to properly execute the command.

go: clean -modcache: not found

Solution: Ensure you are using a valid version of Go that supports module cache management.

Command Breakdown

What each part is doing

go
Base Command
The executable that performs this operation. Here it runs Go before the shell applies any redirect operators.
-modcache
Command Option
Tool-specific option used by this command invocation.

Alternative Approaches

Comparable commands in other tools

Alternative build tools tools for the same job.