Coding is the foundation of some of the most revolutionary technology in our world. Both beginner and experienced coders are always looking for more ways to hone their craft, but the ones that figure out a way to code while on the go will get a leg up on the competition.
Give yourself the best chance at becoming a successful coder by using these coding apps for iOS and iPadOS devices.
1. Swift Playgrounds
Only available for the iPad, Swift Playgrounds provides a fun and easy way to learn Apple’s programming language. Apple created the app as an entry-level coding tool for developers and kids to start learning how to build their own apps on the platform.
There are puzzles on the app you solve using code, and there's also a blank coding editor to create your own apps and games. You can even submit your creation directly to the App Store using Swift Playgrounds. The application is 100% free and guides you step-by-step on how to create better apps using Swift.
Download: Swift Playgrounds (Free)
2. Sololearn
Sololearn claims to have the largest collection of free coding courses available anywhere online. The app dabbles in multiple coding languages, including Python, C++, Javascript, Java, jQuery, and more.
Every course you take in Sololearn comes with its own certification you can add to your LinkedIn profile or resume. Not only can you learn how to code, but you can also improve your skills by going through head-to-head competitions with other coders on the app.
The app is free to start, but to unlock all lessons and take away ads, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium version.
Download: Sololearn (Free, subscription available)
3. Koder
If you have some background in coding and you’re looking for an app that can raise your skill level, Koder is for you. By far one of the most comprehensive apps for coding, it’ll give you access to over 80 different coding languages. The app also helps with syntax highlighting and auto-complete, so your coding will be more efficient with fewer errors.
The app is free for iOS and iPadOS and allows you to easily share files for local and remote connections. It works with Dropbox and other online storage platforms, too, so you can always find the exact files you need while on the go.
Download: Koder (Free)
4. Grasshopper
Best for beginners who are looking to learn Javascript, Grasshopper is a simple and easy-to-follow app that works in a couple of ways. You can learn more about Javascript and answer multiple-choice questions to confirm your knowledge, or you can write code through exercises.
You start off completing simple challenges at lower levels of the game and as you progress the challenges get more complicated. Not only that, but you'll collect achievements along the way and receive real-time feedback to guide you through the lessons.
Download: Grasshopper (Free)
5. Textastic
Textastic is another comprehensive app that ranks as one of the best in the industry for coding on iOS. Much like Koder, this code editor allows you to write in over 80 different languages. It's also compatible with TextMate and Sublime Text 3.
The app is built on native iOS and iPadOS APIs that give it superior speed compared to other apps. You can write complicated functions and see your results without delays or bugs. To get the best out of Textastic, you should hook up an external keyboard, import and export files, and use cursor navigation for easy selection.
Download: Textastic ($ 9.99)
6. Mimo
Mimo helps any beginner or experienced coder keep their momentum when learning new code. It works in the same style as the popular language app, Duolingo. You can set limits for how much you want to learn in a given day and receive points for hitting your goals.
Mimo will curate a personalized set of lessons depending on the goals you set. The app helps keep track of how many days in a row you completed your lessons so you can see how well you are doing. You will be able to use the most popular coding languages and a variety of learning techniques to improve your skills.
Download: Mimo (Free, subscription available)
7. Pythonista 3
If you want to learn Python, there are few apps better suited than Pythonista 3. The app includes many libraries that coders with a Python background will recognize, but it also includes the ability to use native iOS features like location data, contacts, reminders, and photos.
You won’t have any trouble learning while on the go because Pythonista 3 includes desktop-like features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, outline views, and multiple tab support on your mobile devices.
Download: Pythonista 3 ($ 9.99)
8. Programming Hub
The Programming Hub app is best for coders who may want a more well-rounded set of skills rather than just learning coding. The dashboard features several types of courses you can enroll in like AI, IT basics, and coding courses.
The app defines what you can expect to learn in each lesson and also gives you an idea of how much money you could expect to make if you added the course to your skill set. Each lesson comes in a slideshow format, and you can use a compiler at the end of the lesson to test your coding tricks.
Download: Programming Hub (Free, subscription available)
9. Buffer
You’ll need a powerful editor when you’re ready to start coding while on the go, and Buffer could offer everything you need. The app is native to iOS and gives you plenty of theme options to customize your interface.
You can connect Buffer to GitHub, DropBox, and a number of other file-sharing platforms that make your resources easier to access. Just like with the other code editors on this list, you can enjoy syntax highlighting and auto-complete while programming. You can even test your code using Safari when you’re finished.
Download: Buffer ($ 4.99)
10. Enki
Best used as a supplement to your other iOS coding apps, Enki works with flashcards to help you remember coding specific information. You’ll first get shown a card with coding facts, and then Enki will match it with a relevant question.
You won’t learn how to code strictly from using Enki, but you will be able to give context to your coding abilities and help teach others.
Download: Enki (Free, subscription available)
Learn From the Best Coding Apps for iOS
Whether you're just learning to code or are an experienced developer, having the right coding app on your iPhone or iPad will help take your skills to the next level. You can find apps that teach you different languages or actual code editors that let you test your code in real-time. If you learn better through gaming, there are also plenty of coding games that teach you how to build up your programming skills.
