# a vs Code Editor

The clearest difference is rating: a at 4.6 against Code Editor's 3.2. a also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. a asks for nothing beyond the download.

a holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: a has 553 ratings behind it against 43, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of a's written reviews are positive against 54% of Code Editor's.

a ships an update monthly, Code Editor every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | a | Code Editor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (553 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-shell/id1473805438/reviews)** | [3.2 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-editor-compiler-and-ide/id1581290510/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **553** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | **78.6% of reviews** | 53.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#18** | #80 |
| Size | 1.9 GB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nicolas Holzschuch](https://appshunter.io/developer/1450994948) | [Rhythm Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1581290512) |

## What reviewers say

### a

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-shell/id1473805438)

**Currently charting:** #18 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Run a full Unix-like terminal environment on your iOS device. Execute a wide range of commands, edit files, and even program using included interpreters and compilers. Supports multitasking and integration with Shortcuts.

**Highlights:** Local Unix terminal emulator, SSH client, File transfer (scp, curl), Text editing (vim, ed), Scripting languages (Python, Lua, Perl, JS), C/C++ compiler, TeX distribution

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful terminal with Linux commands
- 👍 Useful for programming and development
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 💡 Impressive capabilities for an iOS app
- 👍 Helpful documentation and developer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Limited customization options
- 🔍 Missing some basic terminal features
- 🔍 Compatibility issues with certain packages

**Reported bugs**

- Toolbar buttons not accessible in portrait mode on some devices
- Pasting from clipboard can insert unexpected characters
- Sourcing certain script files causes crashes

**Requested features**

- Add support for package managers like Homebrew or APT
- Implement more advanced shell features like job control and better tab completion
- Integrate Git for version control
- Allow installing additional packages and libraries
- Improve clipboard and file management integration


### Code Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-editor-compiler-and-ide/id1581290510)

**Currently charting:** #80 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app is a powerful mobile code editor and compiler designed for programmers. It offers syntax highlighting for numerous languages, code assistance, and the ability to compile and run code directly on your device. Access files from cloud storage and version control systems, with customizable themes and extensive editing features.

**Highlights:** Syntax highlighting for 110+ languages, Online compiler for 30+ languages, Code assist and auto-completion, Multi-tab navigation, Unlimited undo/redo, Cloud file access (FTP, WebDAV, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), GitHub/GitLab integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads (Forever) | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for coding on the go
- 👍 Supports many languages
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 👍 Good for learning and quick edits
- 👍 Minimal ads (for some users)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😠 Unskippable, full-screen ads
- 😠 Ads after every file operation
- 😠 Ads interrupt workflow
- 😠 Frequent and intrusive ads
- 😠 Paid version still has ads

**Reported bugs**

- Uninterruptible ads
- Cannot create new files
- Cannot copy files
- Sidebar cannot be reopened after closing
- Cannot save files

**Requested features**

- SFTP protocol connection
- Add a run button
- Error indicator during typing
- Custom keyboard with coding symbols
- Ability to edit visual styles/syntax coloring


## Frequently asked questions

### Is a free?

a is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Code Editor free?

Code Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, a or Code Editor?

a is rated higher. a averages 4.6 out of 5 from 553 ratings, while Code Editor averages 3.2 from 43 ratings.

### Do a or Code Editor have ads?

Code Editor shows ads; a does not.

### Which is updated more often, a or Code Editor?

a ships an update monthly, and Code Editor every 5 weeks. Most recently, a was updated on September 29, 2026 and Code Editor on September 28, 2026.

### Which is more popular, a or Code Editor?

a currently peaks at #18 in the App Store charts, and Code Editor at #80. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*