GLICODE™ vs Tynker Junior
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GLICODE™
Learn fundamental coding concepts through a fun, interactive game using Pocky snacks. Arrange them to guide a mascot through challenges, mastering sequences, loops, and if statements. It's a unique way to introduce programming to young learners.
- Learn coding fundamentals
- Use Pocky snacks as input
- Augmented reality interaction
- Guide mascot through levels
- Teaches sequences, loops, and if statements
- Engaging and fun learning
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GLICODE TM turns every packet of Pocky into a bite-sized coding lesson. By laying out Pocky in the right order, you can use Japan’s (and the world's) favourite snacks to learn algorithmic thinking in a fun and engaging way. Take control of Glico's mascot HUG HUG as he makes his way around an imaginary world, trying to spread happiness. You will need to learn different coding functions to help him navigate a range of levels so he can make his way to a child in need of a smile. [WHAT YOU CAN LEARN] By arranging Pocky in different sequences you can learn three basic coding fundamentals: ・SEQUENCES ・LOOPS ・'IF' STATEMENTS [EQUIPMENT REQUIRED] 1. "GLICODE" App Download the "GLICODE" app from App Store. 2. Snacks All you need to play "GLICODE" is a regular packet of Chocolate Pocky. As the levels progress they will become harder to test you on what you've learnt. Remember to save a few extra Pocky for the difficult levels - you'll need them! 3. Placemat For the best results make sure the snacks are placed on a plain white background. Use a white placemat, paper or plate to lay your snacks out on. [INSTRUCTIONS] 1. Line up your snacks. Remember not to place them too close together. 2. Capture. Use your phone’s camera to take a picture of your snack sequence from above. 3. Test your sequence. Hit the play button to see your code executed as HUG HUG moves through the course. 4. Eat your delicious code. If you pass the level you can eat your delicious code and get ready for the next challenge. *Be mindful of hygiene - we recommend you wash your hands before playing with your snacks. *Please make sure your white placemat is clean. [Adopted by school lesson program with MIC!] In Japan "GLICODE" was adopted by "Popularization of Programming education for young segment" program supported by Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in 2016. Elementary school teachers are using this app as a tool in the classroom to teach the basics of programming to early elementary school kids. GLICODE TM is a free educational app that teaches children about the principles of coding - with Pocky! GLICODE TM is a trademark of the programming education app by Ezaki Glico.
Tynker Junior
This app introduces children aged 4-7 to coding concepts through engaging, word-free picture blocks. It helps them develop problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking skills through interactive coding adventures. Designed for young learners, it makes learning to code fun and accessible.
- Word-free picture block coding
- Problem-solving and logic development
- Music and art creation
- 200+ coding challenges
- Tap-based interface
- Voiceovers for guidance
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The Ultimate Coding Playground for Kids Ages 4-7! Tynker Junior is the award-winning app specifically designed for young learners, including pre-readers who haven’t even started school yet. Through vibrant, word-free picture blocks, your child will learn to solve problems, compose music, and create art—all with the power of code. Why Parents and Teachers Love Tynker: * Trusted Globally: Used by 1 out of every 3 U.S. K-8 schools and 100,000+ schools worldwide. * Proven Success: Over 60 million kids in 150 countries have started their STEM journey with Tynker. * Designed for Little Hands: A tap-based interface with friendly voiceovers and no complex dragging or reading required. 5 EPIC CODING ADVENTURES With 200+ coding challenges, your child will explore: Ocean Odyssey: Master sequencing and patterns while helping Gillie the Goldfish. Robots: Learn about events and parameters as you fix a wacky robot factory. Wild Rumble: Help endangered animals using counting loops and delays. Puffball Panic: Navigate dynamic environments using conditional logic. Super Squad: Defeat villains and retrieve stolen treasure using advanced problem-solving. WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN Tynker Junior transforms screen time into a brain-building workout. Your child will master: Logic & Sequencing: Understanding cause and effect. Critical Thinking: Solving complex puzzles step-by-step. Programming Concepts: Loops, conditional logic, and debugging. 21st Century Skills: Resilience, focus, and algorithmic thinking—the same foundations used in professional languages like Swift and Python. Privacy & Terms: Privacy Policy: https://www.tynker.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.tynker.com/terms/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Tynker Junior at 4.5 against GLICODE™'s 3.0. Tynker Junior also leads on review sentiment (59% vs 32%) and ratings volume (4.2K vs 66). GLICODE™'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Tynker Junior sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. GLICODE™ asks for nothing beyond the download.
Tynker Junior holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker Junior has 4.2K ratings behind it against 66, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 32% of GLICODE™'s written reviews are positive against 59% of Tynker Junior's.
GLICODE™ ships an update every 4 months, Tynker Junior every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GLICODE™ | Tynker Junior |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (66 ratings) | 4.5 (4.2K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 31.6% of reviews | 58.8% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 66 | 4.2K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1.1 GB | 396 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | EZAKI GLICO CO.,LTD. | Tynker |
Customer experience
GLICODE™
Tynker Junior
Bugs and requests
GLICODE™
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Tynker Junior
Reported bugs
3 issues- Levels/games not progressing properly
- Login and account issues
- Compatibility problems on certain devices
Requested features
3 requests- Add more advanced coding lessons
- Improve customer support and responsiveness
- Integrate with full Tynker app for seamless experience
In-app purchases
GLICODE™
No in-app purchases
Tynker Junior
- Individual Monthly$4.991 Month
- Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan7 Days trial$24.991 Month
- Individual Yearly7 Days trial$49.991 Year
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- Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan7 Days trial$59.993 Months
- Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan$119.991 Year
- Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan$314.99
Questions
Is GLICODE™ free?
Is Tynker Junior free?
Which has better reviews, GLICODE™ or Tynker Junior?
Do GLICODE™ or Tynker Junior have ads?
Which is updated more often, GLICODE™ or Tynker Junior?
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