Textastic Should Have a Lite Version

11 years ago • updated 11 years ago • 7

Before any consumer purchases something, all "companies" or products should offer a little taste of how the app works and how it feels to have one. Having said that, I was wondering if you had a lite version? I'm an Android user, and I just ordered an iPhone, so I was just curious.

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11 years ago

There is no lite or trial version of the iOS version of Textastic, sorry.

11 years ago

Okay, no worries. It's not a bad price, I just wanted to try it out first. I have two main questions, and having come over from Android, they may seem broad.

What programming languges does this understand?
This doesn't compile, right? As I see in some images, you can "Preview."

Is this supposed to be a compiler? I don't think so, but it's a similar idea, just a text editor with preview of code, right?

11 years ago

You can see a list of supported languages at http://www.textasticapp.com/v4/manual/lessons/Which_file_types_are_supported.html

You can also add your own TextMate-compatible syntax definitions: http://www.textasticapp.com/v4/manual/lessons/How_can_I_add_my_own_syntax_definitions__themes_and_templates.html

Textastic offers syntax highlighting for many languages, but it doesn't include compilers or interpreters due to restrictions of iOS.

The preview function can preview static HTML, JavaScript and CSS and uses the same WebKit engine as Safari. It can also preview Markdown.

11 years ago

Thanks! Will purchase.

As for "it doesn't include compilers or interpreters due to restrictions of iOS." That statement is invalid. I know about six programming compilers via the App Store for iPhone and they all work. I know they have restrictions, but Textastic is allowed to include compilers, assuming a developer knows how to build compilers on iPhone.

11 years ago

You will notice that all apps that support running code - like Kodiak, Codea and PythonMath for example - do not have file download capabilities. So, if I wanted to add the ability to run code in Textastic, I'd have to remove FTP, "Open In", WebDAV, Dropbox and all
other means of sharing files with other apps.

That's a limitation that is imposed by Apple, sorry.

11 years ago

These are the relevant points in the App Store review guidelines:

2.7 Apps that download code in any way or form will be rejected

2.8 Apps that install or launch other executable code will be rejected

11 years ago

Hey,

I'm not saying I don't believe you or trust you. I'm simply saying I have used compilers myself on iPhone and they have compiled just fine. In fact, the original C++/C Compiler in the App Store, even the developer notes "I've found a way to allow this app to compile, and Apple has accepted it. It will be released once I add in the additional requirements, since the compiler must run and preview within the app itself."

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