# Grafana plugin SDK for Go

The [Grafana plugin SDK for Go](https://pkg.go.dev/mod/github.com/grafana/grafana-plugin-sdk-go?tab=overview) is a [Go](https://golang.org/) module that provides a set of [packages](https://pkg.go.dev/mod/github.com/grafana/grafana-plugin-sdk-go?tab=packages) that you can use to implement a plugin backend.

The plugin SDK provides a high-level framework with APIs, utilities, and tooling. By using the SDK, you can avoid the need to learn the details of the [plugin protocol](https://grafana.com/developers/plugin-tools/key-concepts/backend-plugins/plugin-protocol.md) and RPC communication protocol, so you don't have to manage either one.

## Versioning[​](#versioning "Direct link to Versioning")

The Grafana plugin Go SDK is still in development. It is based on the [plugin protocol](https://grafana.com/developers/plugin-tools/key-concepts/backend-plugins/plugin-protocol.md), which is versioned separately and is considered stable. However, from time to time, we might introduce breaking changes in the SDK.

When we update the plugin SDK, those plugins that use an older version of the SDK should still work with Grafana. However, these older plugins may be unable to use the new features and capabilities we introduce in updated SDK versions.

## Update the Go SDK[​](#update-the-go-sdk "Direct link to Update the Go SDK")

To keep the Grafana plugin SDK for Go up to date:

```bash
go get -u github.com/grafana/grafana-plugin-sdk-go
go mod tidy

```

## See also[​](#see-also "Direct link to See also")

* [SDK source code](https://github.com/grafana/grafana-plugin-sdk-go)
* [Go reference documentation](https://pkg.go.dev/github.com/grafana/grafana-plugin-sdk-go)