# Basic Programming Language vs Retra

The clearest difference is rating: Retra at 4.8 against Basic Programming Language's 2.3. Retra also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 12 months) and ratings volume (3K vs 12). Basic Programming Language's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Basic Programming Language sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Retra sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Retra holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Retra has 3K ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 7% of Basic Programming Language's written reviews are positive against 14% of Retra's.

Basic Programming Language ships an update every 12 months, Retra every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Basic Programming Language | Retra |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-programming-language/id500466663/reviews) | **[4.8 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retra-app-console-emulator/id6746222411/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **3K** |
| Positive reviews | 6.8% of reviews | **14.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Anastasia Kovba](https://appshunter.io/developer/1501308821) | [MODERN DEV LP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604740281) |

## What reviewers say

### Basic Programming Language

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-programming-language/id500466663)

Learn and run classic Basic programming code on your mobile device. This app offers a code editor with syntax highlighting and provides online references and samples for learning. It's ideal for studying, calculations, and entertainment.

**Highlights:** Compile and run Basic programs, Text input and output, Syntax highlighting editor, Line numbers and color themes, Online language reference, Program samples

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 Compilations for Basic Programming Language | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Compilations for Basic Programming Language | $2.99 | one-time |


### Retra

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retra-app-console-emulator/id6746222411)

Experience classic gaming with this retro console emulator. Relive childhood memories with support for multiple consoles, customizable skins, and controller integration. Unlock the full experience through a subscription or a lifetime purchase.

**Highlights:** Support for 5+ retro consoles, 10+ visual skins, Customizable settings, Controller support, Cloud game saving, Fast ROM import

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly access to emulator | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly access to emulator | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Lifetime access to emulator | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Nostalgic feel
- 👍 Controller support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Difficult to play on mobile
- 💰 Expensive pricing
- 🔒 Suspicious free trial
- 🐛 Freezing issues
- 🐛 Unresponsive controls

**Reported bugs**

- Games freeze
- Inability to play without paying

**Requested features**

- Option to exit free trial
- Improve mobile optimization


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Basic Programming Language free?

Basic Programming Language is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Retra free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Basic Programming Language or Retra?

Retra is rated higher. Basic Programming Language averages 2.3 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Retra averages 4.8 from 3K ratings.

### Do Basic Programming Language or Retra have ads?

Retra shows ads; Basic Programming Language does not.

### Which is updated more often, Basic Programming Language or Retra?

Basic Programming Language ships an update every 12 months, and Retra every 4 days. Most recently, Basic Programming Language was updated on October 4, 2026 and Retra on October 14, 2026.

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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.*