Comparison

Hew Playground vs Swift Code Runner

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

Swift Code Runner

This app provides a focused environment for writing, testing, and organizing Swift code. It features syntax highlighting, code completion, and a secure runner to test snippets and review output. Ideal for learners and developers needing a lightweight scratchpad for quick experiments and practice.

Highlights
  • Swift playground and code editor
  • Syntax highlighting and line numbers
  • Code snippets and local completions
  • Secure runner for testing code
  • Console output and AST viewer
  • File management (create, rename, import, export)
  • Autosave functionality
Features
Read full description

SwiftMate is a focused Swift playground and code editor for learning, testing snippets, and keeping small code files organized. Write Swift with syntax highlighting, line numbers, search, smart pairs, indentation, snippets, and local completions. Create files, autosave your work, rename, duplicate, import, export, and share code when you need to move it elsewhere. When you are ready to test an idea, run Swift code through the configured secure runner and review console output, compiler diagnostics, and the AST viewer. Your files stay local until you choose to run or inspect code. SwiftMate is built for students, learners, and developers who want a lightweight Swift scratchpad for examples, algorithms, interview practice, and quick experiments. - Privacy Policy: https://lykovstudio.io/privacy - Terms of Use: https://lykovstudio.io/terms

Screenshots

Hew Playground4 screens
Swift Code Runner4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hew Playground at none against Swift Code Runner's 3. Swift Code Runner's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support 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. Swift Code Runner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Hew Playground asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hew Playground ships an update every 2 months, Swift Code Runner daily. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Hew Playground versus Swift Code Runner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHew PlaygroundSwift Code Runner
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStephen OlesenLYKOV STUDIO LTD

In-app purchases

None

Hew Playground

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Swift Code Runner

Subscriptions2
  • premium3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • premium$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • premium$49.99

Questions

Is Hew Playground free?
Hew Playground is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Swift Code Runner free?
Swift Code Runner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Hew Playground or Swift Code Runner have ads?
Neither Hew Playground nor Swift Code Runner shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hew Playground or Swift Code Runner?
Hew Playground ships an update every 2 months, and Swift Code Runner daily. Most recently, Hew Playground was updated on September 23, 2026 and Swift Code Runner on September 13, 2026.

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