Comparison

Touch Lua + vs pocket BASIC

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

Head to head
About

Touch Lua +

Learn and practice programming with Lua, a powerful yet lightweight scripting language. This app offers a robust editor, built-in tutorials, and support for graphics, audio, and databases through optional libraries.

Highlights
  • Lua programming environment
  • Built-in help and tutorials
  • Powerful editor with syntax highlighting
  • Support for graphics and audio libraries
  • Multi-program functionality
  • Sample programs included
Features
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Program with Lua, a simple and modern programming language. Lua’s syntax is simple as BASIC but Lua is faster and more powerful. Which make it just perfect for iPhone platform. *** This is the iPad version of TouchLua Free App *** What is Lua? Lua is a powerful, fast, lightweight, embeddable scripting language. Touch Lua + Features: + Two modes: program/console (command line) + Built in help: Tutorials (hands on), Wiki, Reference + Multi program + Powerful editor + Syntax highlighting + Support graphics, audio, and database through Extension Libraries (paid and free) + Sample programs provided Use Touch Lua +: + Learn programming + Learn modern scripting + Apply your programming skills + Rapid prototyping + Use it as advanced calculator Available through In-App Purchase: Draw Library: Empowers you to create complex graphics from simple graphic objects Features: + Draw simple graphic objects: lines, rectangles, circles, text, ... + Draw at the super speed of your device + Make animations + Define your colors with alpha channel (32bit color with transparency) + Select your drawn text font face and size + Enables you to run included Graphic Sample Programs Audio Library: enables to play music and sound effects. Features: + Play one music track at once + Play multiple sound effects synchronously + Create and play your own sounds and save them as files Turtle Library Logo like graphic commands designed to encourage logical thinking Examples are provided for absolute Beginners TouchLua+ includes other free libraries + Lua File System + Lua Database + Lua Matrix To start learning Lua choose Console from main menu then select Tutorials (first aid kit icon). Now read & apply and you will learn Lua basic’s in no time! Kindly Note: Touch Lua uses Lua 5.2 standard, so if you hit into undefined function see the alternative for it from the reference. some examples: unpack() now is table.unpack(), loadstring() is now load() Make sure to take a look at the free App’s from Hawwash-Soft

About

pocket BASIC

Features
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Pocket BASIC brings back the simplicity and charm of classic BASIC, reimagined for modern iOS and macOS devices. Write code, perform calculations, and visualize functions instantly — all in one lightweight environment. Why Pocket BASIC? - Instant coding - Write and run BASIC programs in seconds — no compilation, no friction. - Clean and focused interface - Designed for clarity, with an integrated editor, console, and tools. - Perfect for learning and experimenting - Great for understanding programming fundamentals or building small utilities. - Works offline. No internet connection required. Your programs stay on your device. Features - Full BASIC interpreter inspired by classic systems - Built-in editor with immediate execution - Console, calculator, and simple graphics modes - Powerful scientific calculator for quick calculations and everyday use - Function graphing with interactive visualization - Import/export programs easily - QR code support for sharing code - Integration with iOS Shortcuts (run scripts directly) - Lightweight and fast Who is it for? - Beginners learning programming - Developers who love retro computing - Students - Anyone who wants quick, practical scripts on their device A modern take on a classic Pocket BASIC is not just nostalgia — it’s a practical tool for today. From simple calculations to small utilities, it’s like having a tiny programmable assistant in your pocket.

Screenshots

pocket BASIC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: pocket BASIC at none against Touch Lua +'s 3. pocket BASIC also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months) and device support (4 vs 1). Touch Lua +'s advantage is iOS requirement (7.0 vs 15.6). On price and ads 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. Touch Lua + sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. pocket BASIC asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Touch Lua + ships an update every 5 months, pocket BASIC monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Touch Lua + versus pocket BASIC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTouch Lua +pocket BASIC
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS7.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAhmad HawwashLeonardo Del Nonno

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Touch Lua +

One-time3
  • Audio Library$0.99
  • Turtle Library$0.99
  • Draw Library$4.99
None

pocket BASIC

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Touch Lua + free?
Touch Lua + is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is pocket BASIC free?
pocket BASIC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Touch Lua + or pocket BASIC have ads?
Neither Touch Lua + nor pocket BASIC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Touch Lua + or pocket BASIC?
Touch Lua + ships an update every 5 months, and pocket BASIC monthly. Most recently, Touch Lua + was updated on October 5, 2026 and pocket BASIC on October 10, 2026.

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