# Processing & p5.js iCompiler vs Visual File Editor

The clearest difference is rating: Visual File Editor at 4.5 against Processing & p5.js iCompiler's 3.5. Visual File Editor also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 58%). Processing & p5.js iCompiler's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (80 vs 25). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Processing & p5.js iCompiler sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.49 per month and Visual File Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Visual File Editor holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 80 and 25 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Processing & p5.js iCompiler's written reviews are positive against 83% of Visual File Editor's.

Processing & p5.js iCompiler ships an update every 5 weeks, Visual File Editor every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Processing & p5.js iCompiler | Visual File Editor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (80 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/processing-and-p5js-icompiler/id648955851/reviews) | **[4.5 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visual-file-editor/id1534296097/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **80** | 25 |
| Positive reviews | 58.0% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 33 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [riedel.wtf apps S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/517545753) | [Tevon Wallace](https://appshunter.io/developer/1427833594) |

## What reviewers say

### Processing & p5.js iCompiler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/processing-and-p5js-icompiler/id648955851)

Develop and compile Processing and p5.js code directly on your mobile device. Export your creations as standalone apps for offline use. Ideal for students and educators learning creative coding.

**Highlights:** Compose and compile code on mobile, Export projects as home screen apps, Offline app usage, Code highlighting and formatting, 3D sketches and games support, Error highlighting (Pro feature)

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Processing Pro (Monthly) | $3.49 | per month |
| Processing Pro (Annual) | $9.99 | per year |
| Processing for iOS Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Processing Pro Lifetime Unlock | $25.99 | one-time |
| Processing for iOS Tip | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Works offline without internet connection
- 👍 Free app with no mandatory payment
- 🎨 Good for quick creative coding and sketches
- 📱 Portable Processing development on mobile
- ⚡ Relatively fast performance for mobile IDE

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Compiler errors hidden behind paywall
- 🐛 Data loss and code deletion issues
- ❌ No error messages or debugging output
- 📝 Poor syntax highlighting (highlights wrong keywords)
- ⌨️ No auto-indentation or code formatting

**Reported bugs**

- Code reverts to earlier versions after app sleep
- Changes lost when phone falls asleep
- Functions with parameters cause black screen
- StringList data type not recognized
- Boolean highlighting shows 'bool' instead of full word

**Requested features**

- Free basic error messages for all users
- Undo/redo functionality
- Project renaming capability
- Project duplication feature
- Robust auto-save and backup system


### Visual File Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visual-file-editor/id1534296097)

Edit various file types, including source code and PDFs, with advanced search and import/export capabilities. Optimized for iPadOS with keyboard support to enhance productivity.

**Highlights:** Source code editing, PDF viewing and editing, Advanced search by name, type, date, Import/export via Share Sheet, Create new files, iPadOS optimization, Keyboard shortcuts

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Processing & p5.js iCompiler free?

Processing & p5.js iCompiler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Visual File Editor free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Processing & p5.js iCompiler or Visual File Editor?

Visual File Editor is rated higher. Processing & p5.js iCompiler averages 3.5 out of 5 from 80 ratings, while Visual File Editor averages 4.5 from 25 ratings.

### Do Processing & p5.js iCompiler or Visual File Editor have ads?

Visual File Editor shows ads; Processing & p5.js iCompiler does not.

### Which is updated more often, Processing & p5.js iCompiler or Visual File Editor?

Processing & p5.js iCompiler ships an update every 5 weeks, and Visual File Editor every 4 weeks. Most recently, Processing & p5.js iCompiler was updated on September 21, 2026 and Visual File Editor on September 21, 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.*