Comparison

Algo Up vs ShellRef

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

Head to head
About

Algo Up

Learn programming and algorithms with visual blocks, Python, and JavaScript. Solve complex problems with an intuitive interface, offline testing, and a customizable code editor. Access extensive documentation and a built-in tutorial to master coding.

Highlights
  • Visual programming interface
  • Python and JavaScript support
  • Offline evaluation and testing
  • Customizable code editor
  • Extensive documentation and hints
  • Built-in tutorial
  • Code playground for experimentation
Read full description

Welcome to Algo Up, the ultimate iOS app designed to elevate your programming and algorithms skills through intuitive blend of visual programming, Python, and JavaScript. With Algo Up, solving complex programming problems becomes a breeze, whether you're a beginner or an experienced coder. Dive into a world of endless possibilities, sharpen your skills, and unleash your coding potential. • Visual Programming Mastery: Dive into the world of coding with our intuitive visual programming interface. Solve complex problems effortlessly by arranging blocks, making programming accessible to learners of all levels. • Multi-Language Support: Choose your preferred language—Python or JavaScript—and sharpen your coding proficiency across different programming paradigms. Seamlessly switch between languages to expand your skill set. • Offline Evaluation & Testing: Evaluate and test your solutions offline, empowering you to practice coding anywhere, anytime. No internet connection required, ensuring uninterrupted learning and problem-solving sessions. • Customizable Code Editor: Personalize your coding environment with a variety of themes and fonts. Tailor the editor to suit your preferences and coding style, optimizing productivity and comfort. • Extensive Documentation & Hints: Access our extensive documentation library, complete with hints and tips to guide you through problem-solving challenges. Leverage expert insights to overcome obstacles and refine your coding techniques. • Built-in Tutorial: Jumpstart your coding journey with our built-in tutorial. Explore fundamental concepts and advanced strategies through interactive lessons, paving the way for mastery in problem-solving. • Code Playground for Experimentation: Unleash your creativity in our Code Playground. Experiment with code, test ideas, and explore new concepts in a safe and supportive environment, fueling innovation and discovery. Download Algo Up now and embark on a transformative journey to become a proficient problem solver and master coder. Elevate your skills, conquer challenges, and unleash your coding potential with Algo Up!

About

ShellRef

This app provides an offline reference for Bash, Zsh, and terminal editors, mimicking a retro technical manual. It's ideal for quickly looking up commands, syntax, and scripting practices without needing an internet connection. Features include search, bookmarks, and customizable display themes.

Highlights
  • Offline Bash and Zsh reference
  • Terminal editor guides (Nano, Vim, Emacs)
  • Quick command lookup
  • Searchable content
  • Customizable themes
  • Adjustable text size
  • Bookmarks
Features
Read full description

ShellRef is an offline reference for Bash, Zsh, and terminal editors, presented as a focused CRT console reference manual. It’s designed for quick lookup while you work—whether you’re writing your first shell script, checking quoting rules, reviewing Zsh behavior, or trying to remember a Vim command without opening a browser. The app includes reference sections for: • Bash fundamentals, control flow, functions, strings and arrays, file I/O, processes, and scripting practices • Zsh differences, globbing, arrays, and configuration • Common command-line tools for text processing, file operations, and system tasks • Terminal editors including Nano, Vim, and Emacs Topics are organized as short reference entries with examples, notes, warnings, and tables where they help clarify syntax and behavior. ShellRef also includes: • Offline access to the full reference library • Search across commands, topics, examples, and notes • My Quick Refs for saving frequently used entries • A CRT-inspired interface with White, Green, and Amber phosphor display modes • Optional scanlines and adjustable display glow • Reduced-effects controls for a cleaner reading experience • Adjustable text size for easier reading on iPhone and iPad ShellRef is intended for developers, sysadmins, students, and anyone who wants a readable shell reference without ads, accounts, or an internet connection.

Screenshots

Algo Up4 screens
ShellRef4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Algo Up at Free against ShellRef's $0.99. ShellRef's advantage is device support. On rating, ratings volume, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Algo Up is free to download; ShellRef costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Algo Up against 5.0 for ShellRef. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Algo Up versus ShellRef: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAlgo UpShellRef
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings11
Update frequency—Every 3 weeks
Ads—No
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
Devices—iPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size97 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperArtem BobrovAndrew Bacon

In-app purchases

None

Algo Up

No in-app purchases

None

ShellRef

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Algo Up free?
Algo Up is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ShellRef free?
ShellRef costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Algo Up or ShellRef?
Algo Up and ShellRef are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

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