# VHDL Compiler — Learn and code in VHDL

> Mobile VHDL compiler and simulator for learning and testing hardware description language code. (iPhone/iPad app by Ketan Appa.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhdl-compiler/id1459379888 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ketan Appa](https://appshunter.io/developer/576435759)
- Category: Education, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 2.70/5 from 7 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 20 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-04-28
- Data updated: 2026-08-16
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhdl-compiler/id1459379888/reviews.md

## What is VHDL Compiler?

Write VHDL code directly on your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch! This app is ideal for learning and testing code snippets!

VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language) is a hardware description language used in electronic design automation to describe digital and mixed-signal systems such as field-programmable gate arrays and integrated circuits. VHDL can also be used as a general purpose parallel programming language.

This app uses the open-source GHDL simulator (http://ghdl.free.fr).  GHDL is a VHDL compiler that can execute (nearly) any VHDL program. GHDL is not a synthesis tool: you cannot create a netlist with GHDL (yet).

Features:
- Compile and run your program
- View program output or detailed error
- Custom keyboard for easy input of frequently used characters
- Optimized for connecting with external physical/bluetooth keyboard
- Advanced source code editor with syntax highlighting and line numbers
- Open, save, import and share VHDL files.

Limitations:
- Internet connection is required for compilation
- Maximum program running time is 20s
- One file can be run at a time
- All entities should be have the same name as their files.

## Key features

- Compile and run VHDL programs
- View program output and errors
- Custom keyboard for VHDL characters
- Advanced source code editor
- Syntax highlighting and line numbers
- Import, open, save, and share files

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade | $2.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhdl-compiler/id1459379888/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Works great simulates std_logic circuits just fine

*2019-11-08*

I realized that it’s essential to limit simulation with ultimately a WAIT; statement including a clock generator with limited total time
Here is a simple test setup beyond just text:

Enjoy.. great job by the developer of the App and the original open source VHDL Compiler Designer
————————————————
--  Hello world program
library IEEE;
use IEEE.std_logic_1164.all;

use std.textio.all; -- Imports the standard textio package.

--  Defines a design entity, without any ports.
entity hello is
end hello;

architecture behaviour of hello is

	signal index : integer:=0;
 	signal clk : std_logic := '0';
begin
    process(clk)
        variable l : line;
    begin
        if(rising_edge(clk)) then
			write(l,String'("/"));
        	writeline (output, l);
        end if;
    end process;    process
       
 		begin
        index <= index +1;
		 clk <= not clk;
		 wait for 1 ns;
		if index > 20 then
        wait;
		end if;
    end process;
end behaviour;

## Frequently asked questions about VHDL Compiler

### What is VHDL Compiler used for?

VHDL Compiler allows you to write, compile, and run VHDL code directly on your iPhone or iPad. It's ideal for learning the hardware description language and testing code snippets using the GHDL simulator.

### Does VHDL Compiler have ads?

Yes, VHDL Compiler contains advertisements. As a free application with in-app purchases, ads are displayed to support its development and maintenance.

### What are the limitations of VHDL Compiler?

VHDL Compiler requires an internet connection for compilation, limits program running time to 20 seconds, and allows only one file to be run at a time. Additionally, all entities must have the same name as their files.

### What devices support VHDL Compiler?

VHDL Compiler is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices, making it accessible for learning and coding on the go.

### How does VHDL Compiler help with learning VHDL?

The app provides an advanced source code editor with syntax highlighting and line numbers, along with a custom keyboard for easy input of VHDL characters. This facilitates a better learning experience for the hardware description language.

### What is the rating of VHDL Compiler?

VHDL Compiler has a rating of 2.7 stars from 7 ratings. This indicates a mixed reception from users, with potential areas for improvement.

### Is VHDL Compiler suitable for professional synthesis?

No, VHDL Compiler uses the GHDL simulator, which is not a synthesis tool. You cannot create a netlist with GHDL using this application at this time.

### When was VHDL Compiler last updated?

The latest version of VHDL Compiler is 2.4, and it was last updated on March 10, 2026. This suggests a recent update, though the release date was April 28, 2019.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.4 — 2026-03-10

Optimized for iOS and iPadOS 26

### 2.3.2 — 2024-12-03

Bug fixes and performance improvement

### 2.3.1 — 2024-11-03

Bug fix when using keyboard shortcut on iPad

### 2.3 — 2024-09-12

Optimized for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18

### 2.2.1 — 2023-10-01

Fixes a crash when opening files

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All apps by Ketan Appa: https://appshunter.io/developer/576435759

## Related topics

[hdl on](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hdl-on)

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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 2026-08-16.*