Comparison

Hew Playground vs JavaScript IDE & Node.js

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

Head to head
About

Hew Playground

Features
Read full description

Hew is a programming language built around actors -- lightweight, isolated processes that communicate through messages. If you've ever wondered what safe concurrency looks like without locks, mutexes, or data races, Hew is your answer. Hew Playground puts the full language on your iPhone or iPad. Write real programs in a proper code editor with syntax highlighting, auto-indent, brace matching, and a keyboard accessory bar for quick symbol access. The Hew compiler runs on-device via WebAssembly, so you get live error and warning underlines as you type -- no internet required. Long-press any identifier to see its type. When your code is ready, tap Run to execute it on the Hew server and see output instantly. LEARN FROM SCRATCH OR DIVE DEEP Whether you're new to programming or exploring actor-based concurrency for the first time, Hew Playground meets you where you are. - 12 interactive tutorials guide you from Hello World through actors, state machines, closures, and async/await - 13 built-in examples show real patterns: spawning actors, handling errors, matching enums, and more - 19 quick reference cards explain every syntax construct, each with a "Try It" button that loads the snippet into the editor - Full documentation from hew.sh is available in-app, with offline fallback A REAL DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT - Context-aware autocomplete powered by the compiler - Save, rename, and organise programs across sessions - Import and export .hew files through the native file picker - Share code as text, as a hew.run link, or via the system share sheet - Cancel long-running programs with the Stop button - Unsaved changes protection and auto-save when backgrounded DESIGNED FOR EVERY DEVICE Hew Playground is optimised for iPad with a side-by-side editor and output pane connected by a resizable divider. It supports Dynamic Type, VoiceOver labels on all controls, and full keyboard navigation. Available in 11 languages. Hew is an actor-based programming language designed for safe, concurrent systems. Learn more at https://hew.sh

About

JavaScript IDE & Node.js

A powerful mobile coding environment for writing, editing, and managing JavaScript projects. It offers advanced code editing features, syntax highlighting, and the ability to run and test code directly on your device. Ideal for developers and learners needing a portable workspace.

Highlights
  • Advanced JavaScript code editor
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Run and test JavaScript code
  • Project and file management
  • Offline coding support
  • Multiple editing themes
Features
Read full description

JavaScript IDE is a powerful coding environment designed for developers who want a fast and efficient way to write, edit, and manage JavaScript projects directly on iPhone and iPad. Whether you're testing snippets, learning JavaScript, or working on real projects, JavaScript IDE provides the tools you need in a clean and developer-focused workspace. FEATURES - Advanced JavaScript code editor - Syntax highlighting - Auto indentation and formatting - Run and test JavaScript code - Project and file management - Support for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files - Fast search and editing tools - Multiple Editing themes - Customized Editor - Offline coding support PERFECT FOR - JavaScript developers - Web development practice
 - Testing code snippets - Student coding projects - Learning frontend development - Coding on the go WHY CHOOSE JAVASCRIPT IDE - Clean and responsive interface - Optimized for mobile coding - Fast editing experience - Easy project organization - Built for developers and learners JavaScript IDE gives you a flexible and portable workspace for writing and managing JavaScript code anytime, anywhere.

Screenshots

Hew Playground4 screens
JavaScript IDE & Node.js4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: JavaScript IDE & Node.js at 17.0 against Hew Playground's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hew Playground ships an update every 2 months, JavaScript IDE & Node.js every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Hew Playground versus JavaScript IDE & Node.js: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHew PlaygroundJavaScript IDE & Node.js
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.9 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—9 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStephen OlesenDevashy Rangpariya

In-app purchases

None

Hew Playground

No in-app purchases

None

JavaScript IDE & Node.js

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Hew Playground free?
Hew Playground is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is JavaScript IDE & Node.js free?
JavaScript IDE & Node.js is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Hew Playground or JavaScript IDE & Node.js have ads?
Neither Hew Playground nor JavaScript IDE & Node.js shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hew Playground or JavaScript IDE & Node.js?
Hew Playground ships an update every 2 months, and JavaScript IDE & Node.js every 6 weeks. Most recently, Hew Playground was updated on September 23, 2026 and JavaScript IDE & Node.js on September 21, 2026.

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