Exploring the Feasibility of Coding on an iPad: Pros and Cons
Published: 2023-06-07 14:31:09

In recent years, the use of iPads and other tablets has become increasingly popular in the education sector. Coding is a vital skill for the 21st century, as more schools and universities adopt these devices, providing students with access to coding tools on a device such as an iPad could potentially increase the number of students interested in pursuing computer science.

In this article, we will look at the pros, cons, and limitations of using an iPad for coding and programming purposes. We will discuss the different tools available for coding on an iPad, the challenges faced by developers, and the potential benefits of using an iPad for coding.


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## Pros of Coding on an iPad
Coding on an iPad offers unique advantages that make it an appealing option for developers. From portability and versatility to a touch-optimized interface and a wide range of coding apps, discover the pros of coding on an iPad.


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### Portability of Coding on an iPad: Ease of carrying an iPad compared to a laptop/desktop computer
Unlike a laptop or desktop computer, an iPad is much lighter and smaller, making it easy to carry around. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are always on the go or for those who like to work from different locations. 

Moreover, with the iPad, you can work comfortably while sitting on a couch, lying in bed, or even standing up. The iPad's portability also makes it an excellent option for those who need to travel frequently but still want to get work done. Whether you're on a business trip or a vacation, you can easily bring your iPad with you and continue working on your coding projects.

### Touchscreen Interface: Intuitive touch-based gestures and interactions of coding on an iPad
The intuitive touch-based gestures and interactions make it easy to navigate the coding environment. For example, scrolling through lines of code can be done with a simple swipe of a finger. Additionally, highlighting and selecting specific blocks of code can be done with a tap and drag motion. This level of interactivity can be particularly beneficial for new coders who may find traditional mouse and keyboard inputs more challenging to use. However, some experienced coders may still prefer the tactile feedback of a physical keyboard, which could be a limitation for using an iPad for coding.


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### Accessibility: Lower cost of entry for coding on an iPad compared to a laptop/desktop computer
While a MacBook or a high-end PC can cost several thousand dollars, a new iPad can be purchased for as little as $329. This lower cost of entry makes coding more accessible to people who may not have the financial means to invest in a more expensive computer.

Additionally, many schools and organizations have begun to incorporate iPads into their technology programs, making them more readily available for education and training purposes. Overall, the lower cost of entry and widespread availability of iPads make them an attractive option for those looking to get started with coding.

### Flexibility: Ability to code on-the-go or in different environments while coding on an iPad
With an iPad, developers can write code on-the-go and work from anywhere they go. They can easily move from their desk to the couch, and from coffee shops to libraries, without having to carry a bulky laptop or desktop computer.

Additionally, the iPad's touch interface and split-screen functionality allows for versatile use of the device, making it easy to switch between coding and other tasks like research or communication. This flexibility can be especially useful for developers who work remotely or travel frequently, as they can still stay productive even when they're away from their primary workspace.

## Cons of Coding on an iPad
Other than the benefits, there are also downsides coding on an iPad too! For example, it's worth noting that the iPad's small screen size and limited multitasking may present some challenges when it comes to more complex coding tasks.

### Smaller screen size may make it difficult to manage multiple windows or tabs
The reduced screen size can make the iPad challenging, especially when it comes to managing multiple windows or tabs. This issue can lead to a cluttered workspace, which can have a negative impact on productivity and focus. 

While some coding apps offer a split-screen view, it may not be enough to accommodate all the necessary windows or tabs. This limitation can be particularly frustrating for developers who need to reference several documents or tools simultaneously. As a result, coding on an iPad may not be a viable option for complex, multi-faceted projects that require a lot of real estate.


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### Limited Multitasking Capabilities of Coding on an iPad
While newer iPads now support split-screen multitasking, this feature is only available for certain apps and can be somewhat limited in its functionality. This means that developers may not be able to run multiple coding applications side-by-side, or have multiple instances of the same app open simultaneously, which can be a significant hurdle for productivity. 

Additionally, the smaller screen size of the iPad can further exacerbate this issue, making it difficult to switch between apps quickly and efficiently.

### Limited Processing Power of Coding on an iPad
While recent iPad models boast impressive processing power, they still lag behind laptops and desktop computers in terms of raw computing power and storage capacity. This can be a challenge when it comes to coding, which can be resource-intensive.

Complex programming tasks such as running multiple applications, compiling large programs, or debugging code can strain the iPad's processing capabilities. As a result, coding on an iPad may be slower and more frustrating compared to using a laptop or desktop computer, especially for more advanced or time-sensitive projects.

However, for simpler coding tasks, an iPad can be a viable option, providing a lightweight and portable platform for coding on-the-go.

### Limited Input Capabilities of Coding on an iPad
The lack of a physical keyboard and mouse can make typing and navigating code more difficult, especially for those who are used to traditional desktops or laptops. While the on-screen keyboard is sufficient for basic coding, it may not be comfortable for extended coding sessions or typing complex code.

Additionally, some coding tools or applications may require keyboard shortcuts or mouse clicks that are not easily replicated on an iPad's touchscreen interface, further limiting its functionality for coding.

This can be solved by using the Magic Keyboard or a bluetooth keyboard. However, it may also add up to the cost of entry and decrease the portability of the iPad.

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## Lightly IDE: A Lightweight Cloud IDE designed for coding on an iPad
With the growing popularity of iPads, the need for a seamless coding experience on these devices has become increasingly important. Enter Lightly IDE, a lightweight cloud IDE specifically designed to empower developers to code effortlessly on their iPads.

Lightly IDE leverages the power of cloud computing, eliminating the need for resource-intensive local installations. By connecting to remote servers, Lightly IDE provides a high-performance coding environment accessible on your iPad. This cloud-based approach ensures smooth coding experiences without compromising on functionality.


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Lightly IDE takes full advantage of the iPad's touch-centric interface. It offers an intuitive user experience, allowing developers to navigate and interact with their code effortlessly. The touch gestures on iPads, such as pinch-to-zoom, swipe, and tap, are seamlessly integrated, enabling efficient coding and enhanced productivity.

Thanks to the cloud environment, Lightly is able to prioritize efficiency and responsiveness, ensuring a smooth coding experience even on devices with limited processing power. This minimalistic approach results in quick loading times, fast code execution, and overall snappy performance. Despite being a lightweight development environment, Lightly IDE is built-in with AI code completion, hosting and database services.


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Lightly IDE supports a wide range of programming languages, catering to the diverse needs of developers. Whether you're working with popular languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java, or specialized languages for data science or web development, Lightly IDE has you covered.

It also provides seamless collaboration features, allowing developers to work together on projects in real-time. With shared editing capabilities, instant updates, and integrated chat functionalities, Lightly IDE facilitates efficient teamwork, making it an ideal choice for group projects and remote collaborations.

[Can you Code on an iPad?](https://www.lightly-dev.com/blog/can-you-code-on-an-ipad/)