BASIC Programming Compiler vs VirtualKim
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
BASIC Programming Compiler
Learn and test code snippets in BASIC on your iOS device. This app features a source code editor with syntax highlighting, a custom keyboard for easy input, and the ability to compile and run your programs. It utilizes the FreeBASIC compiler for a powerful coding experience.
- Compile and run BASIC programs
- View program output and errors
- Select and run code chunks
- Custom keyboard for easy input
- Advanced source code editor
- Open, save, import, and share files
- Language reference included
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Write BASIC code directly on your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch! This app is ideal for learning and testing code snippets! BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) is a family of general-purpose, high-level programming languages whose design philosophy emphasizes ease of use. This app uses the free/open source (GPL) FreeBASIC compiler (https://www.freebasic.net) as backend. FreeBASIC is a high-level programming language supporting procedural, object-orientated and meta-programming paradigms, with a syntax compatible to Microsoft QuickBASIC. Features: - Compile and run your program - View program output or detailed error - Select and run chunk of codes - 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 bas files. - Language reference - Install packages Limitations: - Internet connection is required for compilation - Maximum program running time is 20s - Some file system, network and graphics functions may be limited - Only 1 file can be run at a time - This is a batch compiler; interactive programs are not supported. If your program provides an input prompt, enter the input in the Input tab prior to compilation. See the Reference tab in the app for code examples
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 review sentiment: VirtualKim at 85% against BASIC Programming Compiler's 0%. VirtualKim also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.1) and ads (none vs shown). BASIC Programming Compiler's advantage is 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. BASIC Programming 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 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 29 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of BASIC Programming Compiler's written reviews are positive against 85% of VirtualKim's.
BASIC Programming Compiler ships an update every 5 weeks, VirtualKim weekly. The most recent releases landed on August 16, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | BASIC Programming Compiler | VirtualKim |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.1 (7 ratings) | 4.8 (29 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | 84.6% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 7 | 29 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | 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 | 19 MB | 72 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ketan Appa | John Kennedy |
Customer experience
BASIC Programming Compiler
VirtualKim
In-app purchases
BASIC Programming Compiler
- Upgrade$2.99
VirtualKim
- Buy Me a Coffee$0.99
Questions
Is BASIC Programming Compiler free?
Is VirtualKim free?
Which has better reviews, BASIC Programming Compiler or VirtualKim?
Do BASIC Programming Compiler or VirtualKim have ads?
Which is updated more often, BASIC Programming Compiler or VirtualKim?
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