# Coding Tutor — Interactively learn to code

> Interactive Pascal learning environment for beginners, executing code locally. (iPhone/iPad app by John Kountz.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coding-tutor/id6575384263 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [John Kountz](https://appshunter.io/developer/483022576)
- Category: Developer Tools, Education
- Price: $0.99 (on sale, was $1.99)
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 2 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2024-07-28
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coding-tutor/id6575384263/reviews.md

## What is Coding Tutor?

I created Coding Tutor to help anyone learn to about coding.

The best description of this App might be that it works like an interactive book where you can both read and try. 

You will learn by doing.

One of the great joys of writing code is watching it execute and being able to interactively engage with the program as it executes. No currently available coding app on iOS offers the ability to execute (interpret) code and run interactively on the device. Instead they submit the code to a remote server. To use these you MUST be connected to the internet.

Not so here. All code is executed on your device.

For example, when read(expression, expression, …) is running, you are prompted to enter responses for the variables interactively.

Learning by doing is fun.

I chose Pascal as the language because it is easy to read and understand. Pascal is a well structured procedural language with simple structure. 

Today there are many beautiful object oriented (OO) programming languages. In my experience, object oriented languages (Java, Swift, C#, Python, Kotlin, TypeScript, etc.) are significantly harder to grasp. 

Pascal is simple and provides a solid foundation for the novice learning to code.

I have implemented a tiny Pascal compiler, interpreter and runtime environment where you can safely learn and play in a sandbox which will not crash or otherwise wreak havoc on your device. 

Keep in mind my goal here was not to create a complete Pascal compiler supporting every aspect of the language and runtime. This is a tiny app designed for teaching. Once you have the basic concepts, I would encourage you to investigate Free Pascal or any number of complete Pascal compilers that are freely available.

Here’s a brief summary of what is supported. 

Variable data types:
- Integer
- Real
- String
- FileHandle
- Arrays of Integer, Real, or String.
- Records

This represents enough to begin learning. I have not implemented user defined types aside from Records. File writes are restricted to a limit of 8,192 writes per FileHandle. Array length is similarly limited to 8,192 elements. Enough to learn but not blow-up your devices.

Runtime library:
- Console write, writeln, read
- File (sandboxed) read, write, assign, append, reset, rewrite, close, seek (begin, or end), and delete.
- Array length (ArrayLen)
- String manipulation including StrLen, SubString (a.k.a. Copy), StrSplit, Upper/LowerCase
- Type conversions ToReal, ToInteger
- IsFinite to test for finite Real values
- Exit to end currently executing program

Control flow:
- if expression then else
- while expression do
- repeat statements until expression
- for var := expression {to,downto} do

Operator support is similarly a subset of the full Pascal language.

The App explains these concepts in detail and provides complete working code that can be modified, and executed interactively to help teach the concepts. 

Finally, programming is a trade that can be learned by anyone with the aptitude. I created this app to help others discover the joys of writing code.

I am happy to answer questions, review programs you have written for which you have questions. In the Forward section of the doc’s you will find an email where you can send questions.

I am personally grateful to all of the giants that have gone before me and provided beautiful programming languages. Specifically I want to thank Anders Hejlsberg, a giant that helped me along the way.

Hopefully this tiny app will similarly inspire future programmers.

Cheers-
jkountz

## Key features

- Interactive code execution on device
- Learn by doing with hands-on exercises
- Simplified Pascal language for beginners
- Sandbox environment for safe coding practice
- Supports core data types and control flow
- Interactive console input/output

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coding-tutor/id6575384263/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Never thought I would understand code

*2024-07-30*

This app showed me code and explained it in a way I actually understood. I will continue trying to read & write some code because it’s actually fun.

### 5/5 — Learn to code

*2024-07-28*

This app teaches by example while also allowing you to write real code that executes on the device. No internet needed. 

Learning by doing looks fun.

## Frequently asked questions about Coding Tutor

### What is Coding Tutor?

Coding Tutor is an educational application designed to teach programming concepts interactively. It allows users to read about coding principles and then immediately practice them by writing and executing code directly on their device using a simplified version of Pascal.

### Does Coding Tutor require an internet connection?

No, Coding Tutor does not require an internet connection. All code execution and interpretation happen locally on your device, offering a unique offline learning experience compared to many other coding apps.

### What programming language does Coding Tutor teach?

Coding Tutor teaches Pascal, chosen for its readability and structured nature, making it an ideal language for beginners. It provides a solid foundation before users move on to more complex object-oriented languages.

### What are the limitations of Coding Tutor's compiler?

Coding Tutor implements a tiny Pascal compiler and interpreter for educational purposes. It supports essential data types, control flow, and runtime library functions, but does not aim to be a complete compiler. For instance, file writes are limited to 8,192 writes per FileHandle.

### What devices does Coding Tutor support?

Coding Tutor is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed to run on these iOS devices, providing a portable learning environment.

### How much does Coding Tutor cost?

Coding Tutor is a paid application, available for a one-time purchase price of $0.99. This provides full access to all its interactive learning features without any additional in-app purchases or subscriptions.

### What is the age rating for Coding Tutor?

Coding Tutor has an age rating of 17+. This is likely due to the nature of programming concepts and the complexity of the subject matter, which may be more suitable for older learners.

### How often is Coding Tutor updated?

Coding Tutor was last updated on September 1, 2024, with version 1.12. This indicates active development and support for the application, with recent updates suggesting ongoing improvements and bug fixes.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.12 — 2024-09-01

Now supports including external files with {$INCLUDE filename.pas}
See Learn Program Structure as well as Code Program Structure sample
This allows you to write reusable code functions and procedures which can then be included in multiple programs. 
Enjoy learning how to code starting with Pascal.

### 1.11 — 2024-08-29

FileRecordSort API to sort Record files. 
Check the updated Runtime doc's and new code sample showing how to use FileRecordSort.
Change to console read for record types so you get a form with input for each record property.
Enjoy!

### 1.10 — 2024-08-28

New runtime functions for Record types: FileRecordFind, FileRecordUpdate, FileRecordDelete
See Learn and Runtime for details & have fun learning to code with Pascal.

### 1.09 — 2024-08-25

Minor change to documentation

### 1.08 — 2024-08-21

New support for Pascal Record types

## Apps similar to Coding Tutor

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [AI Code Generator & Assistant](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-code-generator-and-assistant/id6479595778) | 4.7 (39) | Free | Developer Tools |
| [C/C++ LLVM Clang](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cc-plus-plus-llvm-clang/id1016290003) | 4.3 (49) | Free | Developer Tools |
| [San Fransymbols: SF Symbols](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/san-fransymbols-sf-symbols/id1504761986) | 4.8 (71) | $3.99 | Developer Tools |
| [MySQL Mobile Client](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mysql-mobile-client/id1406175528) | 4.4 (198) | Free | Developer Tools |
| [Multi Compiler](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/multi-compiler/id1536319920) | 1.0 (1) | Free | Developer Tools |
| [DevTools Extension](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/devtools-extension/id1611993508) | 3.3 (15) | Free | Developer Tools |

## More apps by John Kountz

- [US Coin Collector Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/us-coin-collector-mobile/id6477598231)

All apps by John Kountz: https://appshunter.io/developer/483022576

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*