Comparison

DraftCode for PHP IDE vs Code Editor

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

Head to head
About

DraftCode for PHP IDE

Develop and run PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS locally on your mobile device or Mac without an internet connection. Supports complex applications like WordPress and phpMyAdmin, with flexible workspace options and a comprehensive PHP stack.

Highlights
  • Offline PHP, JS, HTML, CSS execution
  • Run complex apps like WordPress
  • Custom workspace folder support
  • Session Inspector and error display
  • PHP and JS syntax coloring
  • Composer support for dependency management
Features
Read full description

Develop and run PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS locally on your iPad or iPhone (or an Apple Silicon Mac), without requiring an internet connection. Run Apps as complex as WordPress or phpMyAdmin right on your device. Freely choose your workspace location on your device, either inside DraftCode, or in the folder of a Git Client like WorkingCopy, on iCloud or other services that offer selectable folder locations. Access your PHP Web App from other Apps on your iPad while in Split Screen mode, for example Mobile Safari or Brave. DraftCode includes the standard PHP stack including PHP extensions typically available on a server: MySQL, SQLite, PDO, Curl, OpenSSL, FTP, XML, JSON, SOAP, GD and more. DraftCode can run different versions of PHP and you can switch between them: - Includes PHP 7.3, PHP 8.0, PHP 8.1 and PHP 8.2 - Available (via in-App Purchase): PHP 8.5 DraftCode Features: - Execute PHP/JS/HTML/CSS without requiring an internet connection - Run Apps as complex as WordPress on your device for offline development - Support for selecting a custom workspace folder in supported other Apps (like Git clients) or iCloud - Includes a Session Inspector showing state of current session variables - Shows PHP errors - PHP and JavaScript syntax colouring - Internal keyboard support with coding accessory - External keyboard support with additional keyboard shortcuts - Multitasking and split-screen support on iPad - Includes PHP packages: WordPress, phpMyAdmin, Composer and more - File workspace including support to zip, unzip, copy, move or duplicate files or folders - Code import/export from iCloud Drive, other Apps or iTunes file sharing - Kiosk mode that runs you PHP code fullscreen - Script mode to run PHP scripts without a web context or timeout INCLUDED PHP PACKAGES WORDPRESS 6.8 With just one tap you can run WordPress offline (using the included WordPress SQLite plugin) and develop themes and plugins for the popular platform. PHPMYADMIN Connect to EXTERNAL MySQL databases (MySQL is NOT included). PHPLITEADMIN Work with local SQLite databases. COMPOSER Use Composer v.2.1.12 to efficiently manage your dependencies. The package also includes an example project. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions please visit DraftCode's website. (Please follow the "Developer Website" link below.) Please note: - Included packages might not yet support all PHP versions available (check their website) - DraftCode's runtime currently does not support re-write rules - A MySQL database is NOT included. (We recommend using SQLite when working completely offline.) - A phpinfo() output of the current available runtime configurations is available on the DraftCode website, please follow the "Developer Website" link below. - In-App purchase pricing can be reviewed on this App Store page under "Information" by tapping the triangle next to 'In-App Purchases"

About

Code Editor

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
Read full description

Code editor is optimized text editor focused on coding. It contains necessary features including syntax highlight, code assist, auto-complete, compile and execute, etc. Features: - Syntax highlighting for over 110 languages (C++, Java, JavaScript, HTML, Markdown, PHP, Perl, Python, Lua, Dart, etc). - Include online compiler, can compile and run over 30 common languages (Python, PHP, Java, JS/NodeJS, C/C++, Rust, Pascal, Haskell, Ruby, etc). - Code assist, folding and auto-completion. - Easily navigate between multiple tabs. - Undo and redo changes without limit. - Search and replace with regular expressions. - Show or hide line numbers. - Highlight matching parentheses. - Automatic indent and outdent. - Displays invisible characters. - Open files from recently opened file collections. - Preview HTML and Markdown files. - Includes Emmet support for web development. - Access files from FTP and WebDAV. - Evaluate JavaScript code with built-in JavaScript console. - Integrate and easy access to GitHub and GitLab. - Access files from Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. - Dark and light themes and over 30 syntax highlighting styles. If you run into any issues or have any suggestions, please feel free to contact us: support@rhmsoft.com

Screenshots

DraftCode for PHP IDE4 screens
Code Editor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Code Editor at Free against DraftCode for PHP IDE's $4.99. Code Editor also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). DraftCode for PHP IDE's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 3.2) and ads (none vs shown). On ratings volume, in-app purchases, monetization model and chart position 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

Code Editor is free to download; DraftCode for PHP IDE costs $4.99 up front. DraftCode for PHP IDE sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Code Editor 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

DraftCode for PHP IDE holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 88 and 43 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of DraftCode for PHP IDE's written reviews are positive against 54% of Code Editor's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DraftCode for PHP IDE ships an update every 3 months, Code Editor every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
DraftCode for PHP IDE versus Code Editor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDraftCode for PHP IDECode Editor
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.5 (88 ratings) — better3.2 (43 ratings)
Positive reviews65.8% of reviews — better53.8% of reviews
Number of ratings88 — better43
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#68 — better#89
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.615.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size184 MB65 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperSolesignal LimitedRhythm Software

Customer experience

DraftCode for PHP IDE

All ratings88 ratings
Positive89.8%
Neutral3.4%
Negative6.8%
Written reviews155 reviews
Positive65.8%
Neutral14.8%
Negative19.4%

Code Editor

All ratings43 ratings
Positive48.8%
Neutral16.3%
Negative34.9%
Written reviews156 reviews
Positive53.8%
Neutral13.5%
Negative32.7%

User reviews

DraftCode for PHP IDE

From 88 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Full PHP runtime on iOS device
  • 👍 Intuitive and simple user interface
  • 💻 Ability to run WordPress locally on iPad
  • 🔌 Works offline without internet connection
  • 📱 Enables mobile web development workflow

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Scrolling snaps back to starting position
  • 🐛 Undo function jumps arbitrary steps
  • 🐛 Text editor lacks modern features
  • ❌ Cannot access served content from Safari
  • ❌ No FTP or cloud storage integration

Code Editor

From 43 App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Bugs and requests

DraftCode for PHP IDE

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • Scrolling snaps back to original position
  • Undo function deletes arbitrary number of steps
  • App freezes after entering characters
  • Crashes on iOS 9 and older versions
  • JavaScript console viewer always empty
Show 10 more
  • Cannot navigate to specific lines efficiently
  • Scroll position jumps when switching files
  • File deletion is buggy when deleting multiple files
  • Dropbox conflicted copy files created by autosave
  • iCloud file sync not automatic
  • Keyboard layout makes coding difficult
  • App loses work after tapping run
  • Address bar shows 'about:blank' and 'Not Found'
  • Cannot paste projects from Dropbox (helper app error)
  • Syntax highlighting slow on large files

Requested features

20 requests
  • Search and find/replace functionality
  • FTP and Dropbox integration
  • Updated PHP versions
  • Multiple syntax highlighting themes
  • Git/GitHub integration
Show 15 more
  • Ability to access localhost from external browsers
  • Font size adjustment controls
  • Code completion and snippets
  • Multi-project support
  • Drupal and CraftCMS support
  • MySQL full support
  • SSH/SFTP access
  • Swipe gestures throughout UI
  • Light theme option
  • Extended keyboard with more shortcuts
  • Undo/redo improvements
  • Split-screen multitasking support
  • phpMyAdmin updates
  • Manual save option instead of autosave
  • GD library support

Code Editor

Reported bugs

46 issues
  • Uninterruptible ads
  • Cannot create new files
  • Cannot copy files
  • Sidebar cannot be reopened after closing
  • Cannot save files
Show 41 more
  • Settings screen does not open
  • No option to open a file
  • App crashes frequently
  • File shown as empty, needs reopening
  • No magnifying preview when selecting text
  • Cannot use as target for 'open with...'
  • Cannot input user data
  • Cannot execute more than one file
  • Image not appearing in browser
  • Links not functioning
  • Typing cursor moves to the beginning of the file
  • Content reloads via iCloud Drive, losing data
  • HTML files not running in the included browser
  • C++ user input (cin >>) not working
  • Save button disabled
  • Cannot print files
  • Bug when project runs
  • Cannot save Typst files
  • Cannot save Webdav files
  • Cannot name files
  • C/C++ compilers don't allow argument changes
  • Editing .js files prevents saving/closing without discarding changes
  • App crashes on opening on iPad Pro
  • Error loading file content due to unsupported encoding
  • Chinese input causes misalignment
  • Landscape mode bug on iPhone
  • FTP folder display is blank
  • Code not running properly for complex operations
  • Extend Script not supported
  • Toolbar content overlaps and becomes unresponsive after switching apps
  • Python input not executing
  • File content deleted after saving
  • Error when loading file content
  • Landscape mode not working on iPhone
  • Cannot compile sum of user input numbers in C
  • Auto-completion not working well
  • App closes instantly when clicking live server link
  • Cannot compile C++ code with user input
  • Cannot save edits
  • Cannot save files on mobile
  • Broken number generator due to ASCII issues

Requested features

26 requests
  • SFTP protocol connection
  • Add a run button
  • Error indicator during typing
  • Custom keyboard with coding symbols
  • Ability to edit visual styles/syntax coloring
Show 21 more
  • Add tab closing functionality
  • Improve console window size
  • Support for trackpad/mouse scrolling
  • Add automatic save feature
  • Support opening files from other apps via share sheet
  • Add Bitbucket support
  • Add SFTP/SSH support
  • Add a terminal for installing external libraries
  • Support for mouse wheel scrolling
  • Allow multiple file execution at once
  • Add code recording/deletion function
  • Support system theme switching
  • Add telemetry toggle button
  • Improve Git integration (manage repos, branches, etc.)
  • Add i/o redirection for console programs
  • Support for specific libraries (e.g., pandas, Kivy)
  • Make execution button available
  • Support for mouse scroll on iPad
  • Open source the app
  • Add landscape mode support on iPhone
  • Add ability to create files from scratch

In-app purchases

6 purchases

DraftCode for PHP IDE

One-time6
  • PHP 7.2 RuntimeFree
  • PHP 7.3 RuntimeFree
  • PHP 8.2 RuntimeFree
Show 3 more
  • PHP 8.1 RuntimeFree
  • PHP 8.0.28 RuntimeFree
  • PHP 8.5 Runtime$4.99
1 purchases

Code Editor

One-time1
  • Remove Ads (Forever)$3.99

Questions

Is DraftCode for PHP IDE free?
DraftCode for PHP IDE costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Code Editor free?
Code Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, DraftCode for PHP IDE or Code Editor?
DraftCode for PHP IDE is rated higher. DraftCode for PHP IDE averages 4.5 out of 5 from 88 ratings, while Code Editor averages 3.2 from 43 ratings.
Do DraftCode for PHP IDE or Code Editor have ads?
Code Editor shows ads; DraftCode for PHP IDE does not.
Which is updated more often, DraftCode for PHP IDE or Code Editor?
DraftCode for PHP IDE ships an update every 3 months, and Code Editor every 5 weeks. Most recently, DraftCode for PHP IDE was updated on September 30, 2026 and Code Editor on September 28, 2026.
Which is more popular, DraftCode for PHP IDE or Code Editor?
DraftCode for PHP IDE currently peaks at #68 in the App Store charts, and Code Editor at #89. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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