BBCBasic vs Luana
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
BBCBasic
This app implements the classic BBC BASIC programming language with modern enhancements. It supports advanced graphics, physics, multimedia, and networking, while maintaining compatibility with the original BBC Microcomputer.
- 2D and 3D graphics
- Shader programming
- 2D physics engine
- Stereo music and sound effects
- Video playback
- Networking support
- Accelerometer support
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BBC BASIC is the programming language originally specified and adopted by the British Broadcasting Corporation for its groundbreaking Computer Literacy Project of the early 1980s. This is an advanced, cross-platform, implementation with many enhancements over early versions. As well as extensions to the language it supports anti-aliased 2D graphics, 3D graphics, shader programming and includes a 2D physics engine. Its multimedia capabilities include stereo music, sound effects and video. It supports networking and the accelerometer. Nevertheless it maintains a high degree of compatibility with the BBC Microcomputer, including SOUND, ENVELOPE and MODE 7.
Luana
Learn and write Lua code directly on your mobile device with an interactive editor and instant execution. Explore built-in examples and a help library to master Lua programming on the go.
- Interactive Lua editor with syntax highlighting
- Instant script execution and output viewing
- Built-in Lua examples for learning
- Access to standard Lua libraries
- Lightweight and fast performance
- Integrated help library and tutorials
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Luana is your friendly pocket companion for writing, running, and experimenting with the Lua programming language—right on your mobile device. Whether you’re a seasoned scripter or a total beginner, Luana offers an intuitive workspace to learn, create, and explore Lua anytime, anywhere. • Interactive Editor: Type Lua code in a clean, modern interface. Enjoy syntax colour highlighting for easy reading. • Instant Execution: Run your Lua scripts at the tap of a button, then view the output instantly. Great for rapid prototyping, testing ideas, or practicing code. • On-the-Go Learning: Explore built-in examples—from maths demos to string processing—so you can experiment with language features even if you’re new to coding. It’s perfect for quick practice sessions in your spare time. • Expandable Libraries: Use standard libraries like math, string, and more. • Lightweight & Fast: Designed with performance in mind, letting you focus on creativity without slowdown. • Built-In Help & Tutorials: A handy help library covers all Lua instructions, commands, and examples.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: BBCBasic at 4.4 against Luana's 3.0. BBCBasic also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. Luana sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BBCBasic asks for nothing beyond the download.
BBCBasic holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 2 respectively.
| Parameter | BBCBasic | Luana |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (8 ratings) — better | 3.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 8 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | — |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 55 MB | 66 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Richard Russell | Ammonite Design Studios Ltd |
Customer experience
BBCBasic
Luana
In-app purchases
BBCBasic
No in-app purchases
Luana
- Pro$4.99








