VHDL Compiler vs VirtualKim
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
VHDL Compiler
Write and test VHDL code on your mobile device. This application is designed for learning and executing VHDL snippets using the GHDL simulator. It offers a code editor with syntax highlighting and a custom keyboard for efficient input.
- 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
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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.
VirtualKim
Experience the 6502 microprocessor, the heart of 1970s home computers. This app emulates the 8-bit processor with an assembler and programming puzzles. Learn to code on a minimalist interface and discover how early computing was done.
- 6502 CPU emulation
- Built-in assembler
- Programming puzzles
- Minimalist UI with LEDs and buttons
- Monitor program for memory editing
- Debug and run applications
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The 6502 microprocessor changed the world. Released in the 1970’s, it was the reason that home computers were within the reach of many hobbyists. This app re-creates the 6502 CPU and some of the hardware that used it. This isn't a game (although games are included), this is an emulation of the 8-bit processor, complete with an assembler and some programming puzzles to solve. Start with the most basic user interface you can imagine - six 7-segment LEDs and some buttons - to enter, debug and run your applications. Then upgrade to a display and keyboard, and use the built-in monitor program to dump memory, makes edits and execute your code. Can you run BASIC? Maybe. FORTH? Perhaps. Assembler? Definitely! Don't think of this as a something "fun" or "enjoyable" in the traditional sense. Think of it as a puzzle: how on earth did those folks in the 1970's manage to do ANYTHING when computers were this basic? Documentation is provided, but to get the most of out of this app you'll need to do your own research. Just like in the 1970s. Features - KIM-1 keypad/LED mode simulator. - KIM-1 serial terminal mode simulator. - Apple 1 serial terminal mode simulator. - Multiple programs including Life, Mastermind, word games, Trek, and more. - Working 6502 Assembler with single-step, memory and register view. - A comprehensive 6502 tutorial system with interactive lessons and reference material. - Shareware! All features are always available without a purchase.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: VirtualKim at 4.8 against VHDL Compiler's 2.7. VirtualKim also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). VHDL Compiler's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 85%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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. VHDL Compiler sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and VirtualKim sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
VirtualKim holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 31 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of VHDL Compiler's written reviews are positive against 85% of VirtualKim's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
VHDL Compiler ships an update every 2 months, VirtualKim weekly. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.
| Parameter | VHDL Compiler | VirtualKim |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.7 (7 ratings) | 4.8 (31 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 84.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 7 | 31 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Weekly — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 20 MB | 72 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ketan Appa | John Kennedy |
Customer experience
VHDL Compiler
VirtualKim
In-app purchases
VHDL Compiler
- Upgrade$2.99
VirtualKim
- Buy Me a Coffee$0.99
Questions
Is VHDL Compiler free?
Is VirtualKim free?
Which has better reviews, VHDL Compiler or VirtualKim?
Do VHDL Compiler or VirtualKim have ads?
Which is updated more often, VHDL Compiler or VirtualKim?
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