Comparison

BASIC Programming Compiler vs VirtualKim

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

About

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.

Highlights
  • 6502 CPU emulation
  • Built-in assembler
  • Programming puzzles
  • Minimalist UI with LEDs and buttons
  • Monitor program for memory editing
  • Debug and run applications
Features
Read full description

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

BASIC Programming Compiler4 screens
VirtualKim4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
BASIC Programming Compiler versus VirtualKim: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBASIC Programming CompilerVirtualKim
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.1 (7 ratings)4.8 (29 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews84.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings729 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksWeekly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB72 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKetan AppaJohn Kennedy

Customer experience

BASIC Programming Compiler

All ratings7 ratings
Positive57.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative42.9%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

VirtualKim

All ratings29 ratings
Positive96.6%
Neutral3.4%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive84.6%
Neutral11.5%
Negative3.8%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

BASIC Programming Compiler

One-time1
  • Upgrade$2.99
1 purchases

VirtualKim

One-time1
  • Buy Me a Coffee$0.99

Questions

Is BASIC Programming Compiler free?
BASIC Programming Compiler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is VirtualKim free?
VirtualKim is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, BASIC Programming Compiler or VirtualKim?
VirtualKim is rated higher. BASIC Programming Compiler averages 3.1 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while VirtualKim averages 4.8 from 29 ratings.
Do BASIC Programming Compiler or VirtualKim have ads?
BASIC Programming Compiler shows ads; VirtualKim does not.
Which is updated more often, BASIC Programming Compiler or VirtualKim?
BASIC Programming Compiler ships an update every 5 weeks, and VirtualKim weekly. Most recently, BASIC Programming Compiler was updated on August 16, 2026 and VirtualKim on September 9, 2026.

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