# j901 — Explore the J Language

> J programming language IDE for data analysis and learning. (iPhone/iPad app by Ian Clark.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/j901/id1483497239 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ian Clark](https://appshunter.io/developer/1483497238)
- Category: Education, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.2 · 48 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-10-18
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/j901/id1483497239/reviews.md

## What is j901?

J is a general purpose programming language inspired by APL, both languages springing from the fertile mind of the late Ken Iverson. J is particularly strong in the mathematical, statistical, and logical analysis of textual and numerical data.

j901 is the follow-on product of j701. This version of the J Integrated Development Environment (J IDE) employs version 9.3 of the J Engine.

How J901 differs from J701:
* Abandons special keyboard for custom keys on system keyboard
* Session log display, whole or part, e.g. inputs-only; or transactions containing a given J primitive or substring
* Code editor, with tabs and find facility
* Shell-type preprocessor for common housekeeping actions upon jscripts and other files
* Separate scenes for displaying the output from "plot" and "viewmat"
* Context-sensitive Help; NuVoc lookup
* New "Mill" feature for studying noun transformations, e.g. numeric arrays and animated character-graphics such as Conway's Game Of Life

Like all J IDEs, this iOS app is offered free of charge as a learning resource for teachers and students of mathematics, statistics, science and engineering. It is also offered without guarantee as a convenience to J experts who normally use a desktop computer for their professional work. Fine-tuned to the iPad, but usable on iPhone, it is first and foremost a vehicle for fun and discovery.

DO NOT USE FOR MISSION-CRITICAL WORK – iOS end-user security trumps app recovery.

## Key features

- Code editor with tabs and find
- Session log display
- Context-sensitive help
- Mill feature for studying noun transformations
- Separate scenes for plot and viewmat output
- Shell-type preprocessor

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/j901/id1483497239/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Latest update made it stop opening on my iphone XR

*2023-04-21*

Other than that it's fantastic

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2022-12-11, version 1.1*

Outstanding port of J to IOS. Very handy.

### 5/5 — J Everywhere

*2022-11-14*

To paraphrase a well known photographers’ saying, “the best computer language is the one you have with you”. Such a useful tool to have available whenever you need it. Two issues to feedback: 1. the plot package is reported as corrupted. 2. The controls at the top of the screen are partially obscured by the display island/notch on newer iPhones, so are hard to use.

As an update, deleting the previous version and then reinstalling from scratch fixed the plot package issue.

### 5/5 — Phenomenal!

*2022-10-31, version 1.0*

So thankful this was put together! Only programming language I use on my phone

### 5/5 — Great upgrade

*2022-07-23*

Been using your app 3 weeks, on iPhone, a way better version than J701. Wish there was an APL app too, for iOS, as I find the symbols easier for visualisation / recall, even if I then write it in J!

### 5/5 — Excellent implementation of J.

*2021-11-18*

Very handy companion to desktop/laptop implementation.   Vastly superior to previous implementation.   Enjoy J on your phone.

## Frequently asked questions about j901

### What is j901?

j901 is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for the J programming language, designed for mathematical, statistical, and logical data analysis. It is a follow-on product to j701, offering enhanced features like a code editor and session logging.

### Is j901 free to use?

Yes, j901 is offered free of charge as a learning resource for teachers and students. It is also available to J experts as a convenience.

### What devices does j901 support?

j901 is fine-tuned for the iPad but is also usable on the iPhone. It is available on iOS devices.

### How often is j901 updated?

The latest version of j901 is 1.2, last updated on April 20, 2023. This indicates a relatively active development cycle for the application.

### What are the key differences between j901 and j701?

j901 abandons the special keyboard for custom keys on the system keyboard, includes a session log display, a code editor with tabs, and a new 'Mill' feature for studying noun transformations, among other improvements.

### Can j901 be used for mission-critical work?

No, j901 explicitly states it should NOT be used for mission-critical work. iOS end-user security is prioritized over app recovery, making it unsuitable for essential tasks.

### What is the age rating for j901?

j901 has an age rating of 4+. This suggests it is suitable for a wide range of users, including younger learners interested in programming.

### Does j901 have ads?

No, j901 does not contain advertisements. It is offered as a free learning resource without any ad interruptions.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.2 — 2023-04-20

Unbundling factory files and folders is now under end-user control: app updates now leave the sandbox (j/ folder) unaltered.
Watched nouns replace 2!:9 (ui) for all except system use.
Watched noun: noun: CLIP_i_ replaces verbs: getclip and: setclip for accessing the system pasteboard.
Hotkey ⌘E now toggles between Home and Edit.
Troublesome verb: monadspaced eliminated, so that syntax coloring no longer relies on system J code residing in the sandbox.
Choose 4 styles of syntax coloring (0:eclectic, 1:jqt, 2:nuvoc, 3:nuvoc nearest system color) via a watched noun: SYNTAX_COLOR_SCHEME_i_.
Edit: trailing blank lines are now tolerated; CRLF in imported scripts is now coverted to LF; the J sentence "if. 1 do." is now correctly colored.

### 1.1 — 2022-11-11

* on-screen keyboard extra keys: [_z_] [`] ['']
* optional syntax coloring and line numbering in the jscript editor
* option to balance parentheses and quotes in an input sentence
* new factory j-words, e.g. display, editwd
* three recommended fontsizes for J code: small, medium, large
* new spx tutorials for J learning and reference
* watched nouns to augment or replace 2!:9 control of the app's UI
* improved app UI menus
* standard "JAL" addons library augmented and updated to latest versions

### 1.0 — 2021-10-18

No release notes.

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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 2026-06-10.*
