# DraftCode for PHP IDE — Develop PHP, WordPress offline

> Offline PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS development and execution environment for mobile. (iPhone/iPad app by Solesignal Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/draftcode-for-php-ide/id593757593 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Solesignal Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/402984346)
- Category: Developer Tools, Productivity
- Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $9.99)
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 87 App Store ratings · 155 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 17.6 · 184 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-02-12
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/draftcode-for-php-ide/id593757593/reviews.md

## What is DraftCode for PHP IDE?

Develop and run PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS locally on your iPad or iPhone (or an Apple Silicon Mac), without requiring an internet connection.
Run Apps as complex as WordPress or phpMyAdmin right on your device. 

Freely choose your workspace location on your device, either inside DraftCode, or in the folder of a Git Client like WorkingCopy, on iCloud or other services that offer selectable folder locations. 

Access your PHP Web App from other Apps on your iPad while in Split Screen mode, for example Mobile Safari or Brave.

DraftCode includes the standard PHP stack including PHP extensions typically available on a server: MySQL, SQLite, PDO, Curl, OpenSSL, FTP, XML, JSON, SOAP, GD and more.

DraftCode can run different versions of PHP and you can switch between them: 

- Includes PHP 7.3, PHP 8.0, PHP 8.1 and PHP 8.2
- Available (via in-App Purchase): PHP 8.5

DraftCode Features:

- Execute PHP/JS/HTML/CSS without requiring an internet connection
- Run Apps as complex as WordPress on your device for offline development
- Support for selecting a custom workspace folder in supported other Apps (like Git clients) or iCloud
- Includes a Session Inspector showing state of current session variables
- Shows PHP errors
- PHP and JavaScript syntax colouring
- Internal keyboard support with coding accessory
- External keyboard support with additional keyboard shortcuts
- Multitasking and split-screen support on iPad
- Includes PHP packages: WordPress, phpMyAdmin, Composer and more
- File workspace including support to zip, unzip, copy, move or duplicate files or folders
- Code import/export from iCloud Drive, other Apps or iTunes file sharing
- Kiosk mode that runs you PHP code fullscreen
- Script mode to run PHP scripts without a web context or timeout


INCLUDED PHP PACKAGES

WORDPRESS 6.8
With just one tap you can run WordPress offline (using the included WordPress SQLite plugin) and develop themes and plugins for the popular platform.

PHPMYADMIN
Connect to EXTERNAL MySQL databases (MySQL is NOT included). 

PHPLITEADMIN
Work with local SQLite databases.

COMPOSER 
Use Composer v.2.1.12 to efficiently manage your dependencies. The package also includes an example project. 

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions please visit DraftCode's website. (Please follow the "Developer Website" link below.)

Please note:
- Included packages might not yet support all PHP versions available (check their website)
- DraftCode's runtime currently does not support re-write rules
- A MySQL database is NOT included. (We recommend using SQLite when working completely offline.)
- A phpinfo() output of the current available runtime configurations is available on the DraftCode website, please follow the "Developer Website" link below. 
- In-App purchase pricing can be reviewed on this App Store page under "Information" by tapping the triangle next to 'In-App Purchases"

## Key features

- Offline PHP, JS, HTML, CSS execution
- Run complex apps like WordPress
- Custom workspace folder support
- Session Inspector and error display
- PHP and JS syntax coloring
- Composer support for dependency management

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PHP 7.2 Runtime | Free | one-time |
| PHP 7.3 Runtime | Free | one-time |
| PHP 8.5 Runtime | $4.99 | one-time |
| PHP 8.2 Runtime | Free | one-time |
| PHP 8.1 Runtime | Free | one-time |
| PHP 8.0.28 Runtime | Free | one-time |


## Chart rankings

- #75 in Top Paid · Developer Tools (US App Store)

## What do users think of DraftCode for PHP IDE?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Full PHP runtime on iOS device
- 👍 Intuitive and simple user interface
- 💻 Ability to run WordPress locally on iPad
- 🔌 Works offline without internet connection
- 📱 Enables mobile web development workflow
- ✨ SQLite database support included
- 🎯 Great for learning PHP on the go
- ⚡ Fast execution and performance
- 🛠️ Responsive developer support
- 📦 No subscriptions or hidden fees
- 🎨 Professional design and appearance

**Cons**

- 🐛 Scrolling snaps back to starting position
- 🐛 Undo function jumps arbitrary steps
- 🐛 Text editor lacks modern features
- ❌ Cannot access served content from Safari
- ❌ No FTP or cloud storage integration
- ❌ Limited file import/export capabilities
- ❌ Keyboard gets in way of scrolling
- ❌ No search/find functionality
- ❌ Cannot edit files while server runs
- ❌ Outdated PHP versions in base app
- ⚠️ Limited documentation and tutorials
- ⚠️ Expensive for feature set ($10-14)
- ⚠️ iCloud sync not fully supported

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Scrolling snaps back to original position
- Undo function deletes arbitrary number of steps
- App freezes after entering characters
- Crashes on iOS 9 and older versions
- JavaScript console viewer always empty
- Cannot navigate to specific lines efficiently
- Scroll position jumps when switching files
- File deletion is buggy when deleting multiple files
- Dropbox conflicted copy files created by autosave
- iCloud file sync not automatic
- Keyboard layout makes coding difficult
- App loses work after tapping run
- Address bar shows 'about:blank' and 'Not Found'
- Cannot paste projects from Dropbox (helper app error)
- Syntax highlighting slow on large files

**Most requested features**

- Search and find/replace functionality
- FTP and Dropbox integration
- Updated PHP versions
- Multiple syntax highlighting themes
- Git/GitHub integration
- Ability to access localhost from external browsers
- Font size adjustment controls
- Code completion and snippets
- Multi-project support
- Drupal and CraftCMS support
- MySQL full support
- SSH/SFTP access
- Swipe gestures throughout UI
- Light theme option
- Extended keyboard with more shortcuts
- Undo/redo improvements
- Split-screen multitasking support
- phpMyAdmin updates
- Manual save option instead of autosave
- GD library support

## Recent user reviews (10 of 155)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/draftcode-for-php-ide/id593757593/reviews.md

### 2/5 — more

*2026-07-12, version 1.14.2*

needs lots like back cancel ect...

### 1/5 — Outdated

*2026-03-30*

Pls add PHP 8.3, 8.4, 8.5. Last stable version now is 8.5. Minimum recommended version for WordPress 7.0 is 8.4. I think this app very good, but outdated. And I don’t want to buy 8.2 support, because actual version is 8.5.

**Developer response:** Thanks for the feedback. 8.1 and 8.2 IAP's are now free. 
Stay tuned for an update with additional runtime soon ;-)

### 5/5 — Amazing!

*2025-02-06, version 1.14.1*

I purchased this specifically for phpLiteAdmin to have a solid database on my iPad at all times, and for that it’s been incredible. Proper SQLite at the touch of a button, no subscriptions, no hidden fees etc. I have tried every database app on the AppStore before stumbling across this by chance and I’m so glad I did. 5 Stars!

### 4/5 — Finally a decent web programming option for mobile

*2024-12-31, version 1.14.1*

I frequently find myself on the road and wanting to tweek some of my code or try out an idea or concept, and usually I don't have time or ability to set up my laptop. I've been trying to find a good ios option for a while and this program fits the bill.
I've even been able to set it up so that it uses the Dropbox folder that I typically run my localhost from!
The only (small) issue I've run into is with the autosave feature causing issues with Dropbox where it creates a "conflicted copy" every few lines of code. I've been able to deal with this by deleting the extra files every now and then (it's a lot of files).
Maybe an option could be added to only save manually or when the "Run" button is pressed? Otherwise a great app!

### 5/5 — great developer option

*2024-06-22, version 1.14.1*

Great to finally have a way to edit and run php, javascript, html on an ipad whether connected or not to the internet.

### 5/5 — Update please

*2024-05-18, version 1.14.1*

I think this app could be the best on the market for coding.

Could you update the Phpmyadmin as there’s some errors.

Could you also make it run on the latest php version as I bought it and if it doesn’t run on it, then it’s a waste of money.

I will happily advertise this app to my followers if you keep it updated and make it even more better

### 5/5 — Great app

*2024-04-22, version 1.14.1*

I snagged this app to allow me to work on WordPress sites from my iPad while traveling / flying. Out the gate I ran into an issue as I think there was a WP update at the same time. Thomas was responsive and helped me through the issue as well as updated the app. Great responsiveness and I’m thrilled with the app!

### 2/5 — Developer seems challenged

*2023-11-30*

I want yo love this app. However , two things make it nearly unusable: 1) Scrolling: When scrolling, the screen snaps back to where you started and you must find your place again. I can't express how frustrating this is when you're trying to flow... This behavior occurs consistently doesn't happen system wide. You have to scroll twice after any change made because of the maddening "SNAP!" 2) Undo I rarely use this function because it's more destructive than helpful. It doesn't undo one step at a time, it jumps back a seemingly arbitrary number of steps so you have no idea what was undone. If you've just squashed a bug and then hit undo a few lines later, you have my sympathies…

The developer claims to fix things, but doesn't. NOTHING that we're complaining about in the reviews has been fixed after 2+ years.

**Developer response:** Thanks for your review. I am afraid we cannot reproduce this bug you describe. Reviews are not ideal places to file bugreports because we cannot follow them up. Please get in touch via support, thanks.

### 5/5 — Sehr guter Code-Editor

*2023-08-26*

Benutze DraftCode seit mehreren Jahren. Super nützlich! Syntax-Highlighting funktioniert tadelos und ist sehr gut. Perfekt ist dass man PHP, HTML, CSS und JS editieren kann und dann das Ganze laufen lassen kann als ob man einen vollen XAMPP Stack hätte. Und das lokal! Genial!
Update (2023-08-25): JS-console funktioniert immer noch nicht. Es gibt aber einen weiteren bug: manchmal (nicht immer), wenn man ein PHP-Script editiert hat und dann in die Dateiliste zurückgeht und danach wieder ins Skript, dann scrollt der Editor ganz bis zum Ende des Skripts, egal wo der Cursor vorher war. Das ist ziemlich nervig. Ansonsten aber funktioniert alles sehr gut und für mich nicht mehr wegzudenken.

**Developer response:** Danke fuer das Feedback. Wir arbeiten daran die JS Console wieder funktionsfaehig in die App zurueck zu bringen.

### 5/5 — Good app

*2023-08-18*

Dear support, please add composer for php 8, thanks 🙏

## Frequently asked questions about DraftCode for PHP IDE

### What can I develop with DraftCode for PHP IDE?

You can develop and run PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS code locally on your device. This includes complex applications like WordPress and phpMyAdmin, allowing for offline development of themes and plugins.

### Does DraftCode for PHP IDE require an internet connection?

No, a key feature of DraftCode is its ability to develop and run applications entirely offline, without requiring an internet connection. This makes it ideal for development on the go.

### What PHP versions are supported?

The app includes PHP 7.3 and 8.0. Additional PHP versions, specifically 8.1 and 8.2, are available via in-app purchases.

### Can I use my own workspace folders?

Yes, you can freely choose your workspace location. This includes options within DraftCode itself, or in folders managed by Git clients like WorkingCopy, iCloud, or other services that offer selectable folder locations.

### Is a MySQL database included with the app?

No, a MySQL database is not included with DraftCode. The app does support connecting to external MySQL databases for phpMyAdmin, but for completely offline work, using SQLite databases with PHPLiteAdmin is recommended.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.14.3 — 2026-07-29

- Includes new Runtime for 8.5.8 (requires in-app purchase)
- Runtimes for PHP 8.1 and PHP 8.2 are now available for free

### 1.14.2 — 2025-07-16

- PHP 8.0 Runtime is now included for free
- Updated included Wordpress and its SQLite plugin
- General bugfixes and improvements

### 1.14.1 — 2024-04-21

Included Packages Update:

Updated included WordPress to v6.5 and SQLite plugin to v2.1.9 to avoid an issue where the automatic WordPress update during setup would make it incompatible with the included SQLite plugin.

### 1.14 — 2024-04-04

- New Runtimes for PHP 8.1 and PHP 8.2 (require one-time in-App purchase)
- Source editor improvements

- Fixes an issue where the source editor could loose its position when interacting with other parts of the interface

### 1.13.2 — 2023-08-17

This version of DraftCode contains bugfixes. 

If you like DraftCode, please leave a review in the App Store, it really helps. Thank you.

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*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 2026-08-26.*