Textastic Code Editor icon
Textastic Code Editor: Comprehensive iOS Development Environment Review

by Alexander Blach

Textastic provides professional-grade code editing for iOS devices with syntax highlighting for 80+ languages and robust server connectivity. Targets mobile developers requiring desktop-level functionality on iPad and iPhone for remote work scenarios.

Detailed Review

Textastic Code Editor establishes itself as a premium mobile development environment for iOS devices, offering desktop-level coding capabilities in a mobile package. The application serves programmers, web developers, and system administrators who require professional editing tools while working remotely or away from their primary workstations. The core functionality centers around comprehensive syntax highlighting supporting over 80 programming and markup languages including HTML, JavaScript, CSS, C++, Swift, Python, and Ruby. Server connectivity options include SFTP, FTP, and WebDAV protocols alongside cloud storage integration with Dropbox. The built-in SSH terminal enables direct server management, creating a complete mobile development workstation. File management features include tabbed editing, code folding, and customizable keyboard shortcuts tailored for programming workflows. User experience demonstrates thoughtful iOS integration with a clean, professional interface optimized for both iPhone and iPad screens. The application leverages iOS features including Files app integration, external keyboard support, and Split View multitasking. Real-world usage patterns show developers maintaining websites, programming Raspberry Pi devices, and building web applications directly from mobile devices. The web preview functionality allows instant validation of code changes without switching applications. User feedback consistently praises the application's reliability and professional feature set. Reviewer Caomeishan (April 4, 2025) notes long-term reliance for web app development, while Danoshaben (March 5, 2025) highlights daily use for Raspberry Pi programming through SSH and SFTP integration. jfsmith (July 18, 2025) compares the experience favorably to desktop editors when updating websites from iPad Pro. Some users, including Trickfest (February 20, 2025), note potential enhancements like built-in interpreters while acknowledging the app's focused design philosophy. The application demonstrates particular strength in mobile development scenarios where desktop access is limited, though it remains primarily an editor rather than full IDE. The lack of built-in compilers or interpreters requires external execution environments for certain languages. Ideal use cases include remote server management, quick code edits while mobile, and secondary development environments complementing primary workstations.

Key Features

  • Syntax highlighting for 80+ programming languages including Swift, Python, and JavaScript, enabling professional code editing across diverse projects
  • Integrated SFTP/FTP/WebDAV server connectivity with SSH terminal, allowing direct server management and file operations from mobile devices
  • Dropbox cloud storage integration providing seamless access to project files across multiple devices and platforms
  • Web preview functionality that instantly renders HTML/CSS/JavaScript files, streamlining web development workflows on iPad
  • Customizable keyboard shortcuts and code folding options optimized for programming efficiency on iOS touch interfaces
  • Tabbed editing interface supporting multiple simultaneous files, facilitating complex project management on mobile devices

Why Users Love It

Comprehensive server connectivity options
Extensive language support

Perfect for: Mobile developers requiring professional editing tools on iOS devices

Screenshots

Textastic Code Editor screenshot 1Textastic Code Editor screenshot 2Textastic Code Editor screenshot 3Textastic Code Editor screenshot 4Textastic Code Editor screenshot 5Textastic Code Editor screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Textastic Code Editor's performance in Developer Tools over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#30

+6 from last week

Best Rank

#27

All-time high

Average Rank

#33

30-day average

User Reviews

NormalApple
Dec 8, 2024

Still true. You can't beat it. Provides everything you need. Absolutely the best kind of software. Great App for those that want to creat HTML documents or a dozen other formats. Still true. You can't beat it. Provides everything you need. Absolutely the best kind of software.

Maos
Dec 14, 2024

I spent a long time looking for a good SSH client and text editor for the iPad and was resigned to using sub-par products until I found Textastic. I use it mostly with an iPad Pro, external keyboard, and mouse and it's easier to do coding via SSH on my iPad now than my desktop. I love that I can write markdown, HTML, CSS, Python, or YAML and Textastic handles them all. Even when I don't have my keyboard with me, I am not left without essential keys (hello, esc anyone?) that can be hard to find on the built-in virtual keyboard. Plus function keys!!! OMG. I even use it to write files to Obsidian (markdown) when I'm working and don't want to switch apps. Textastic is super versatile and the developer keeps on making improvements, so it's just getting better. Plus, it's not a subscription and they don't track you or invade your privacy. This is the best text editor on the iPad BAR NONE. Makes coding simple on the iPad I spent a long time looking for a good SSH client and text editor for the iPad and was resigned to using sub-par products until I found Textastic. I use it mostly with an iPad Pro, external keyboard, and mouse and it's easier to do coding via SSH on my iPad now than my desktop. I love that I can write markdown, HTML, CSS, Python, or YAML and Textastic handles them all. Even when I don't have my keyboard with me, I am not left without essential keys (hello, esc anyone?) that can be hard to find on the built-in virtual keyboard. Plus function keys!!! OMG. I even use it to write files to Obsidian (markdown) when I'm working and don't want to switch apps. Textastic is super versatile and the developer keeps on making improvements, so it's just getting better. Plus, it's not a subscription and they don't track you or invade your privacy. This is the best text editor on the iPad BAR NONE.

JoeRecursionjoe
Oct 9, 2024

I was looking for a SwiftUI editor on my iPhone so I could write code as I thought about it through out the day. After much searching, I found exactly what I was looking for! Please don't go to a subscription, I would pay a one time fee, but I'm done with subscription.... Wow I was looking for a SwiftUI editor on my iPhone so I could write code as I thought about it through out the day. After much searching, I found exactly what I was looking for! Please don't go to a subscription, I would pay a one time fee, but I'm done with subscription....

Tyñeesha Kobeesha
Dec 21, 2024

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but JESUS CHRIST is coding easier than I thought on mobile. I’ve been working on the huge project (literally every wakening second of my life) and being able to work on my phone is a godsend. I bought Textastic with the impression of “oh, god…”, but I instead got “yay!” Even transferring files between my Mac and my phone was easy. I thought I would have to lug a flash drive with me, but—nope—Textastic has WebDAV ‘n’ stuff built in. The only negative thing I can come up with is that there isn’t syntax error detection, but considering I did a lot of my coding in TextEdit, I’m used to that already. Thank you! YAY! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but JESUS CHRIST is coding easier than I thought on mobile. I’ve been working on the huge project (literally every wakening second of my life) and being able to work on my phone is a godsend. I bought Textastic with the impression of “oh, god…”, but I instead got “yay!” Even transferring files between my Mac and my phone was easy. I thought I would have to lug a flash drive with me, but—nope—Textastic has WebDAV ‘n’ stuff built in. The only negative thing I can come up with is that there isn’t syntax error detection, but considering I did a lot of my coding in TextEdit, I’m used to that already. Thank you!

Midori Moss
Jan 4, 2025

When using an iPad Pro as a laptop this app comes in handy. Great for coding with its integration with other Git applications and even for saving plain text files to share between devices. The ability to connect to and edit files over SSH is something you won’t find in a typical text editor. Great for developers and everyday users alike. Been using it on all my iOS and iPadOS devices for years now. Never underestimate how important a plain text file can be When using an iPad Pro as a laptop this app comes in handy. Great for coding with its integration with other Git applications and even for saving plain text files to share between devices. The ability to connect to and edit files over SSH is something you won’t find in a typical text editor. Great for developers and everyday users alike. Been using it on all my iOS and iPadOS devices for years now.

App Details

Developer

Alexander Blach

Platform

ios

Rating

4.7

Last Updated

10/7/2025