MIT App Inventor
8.7#12 in no-code app buildersFree planFree planAndroidiOSWebAPI
VisitMIT App Inventor vs Pencil Code
Pencil Code
6.0#38 in coding learning softwareFree planFree planWeb
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | MIT App Inventor | Pencil Code |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | The project’s stated vision is to enable anyone, including people who do not consider themselves coders, to create mobile apps. | The service is educational and its privacy policy says it is intended for users of all ages. |
| Integrations | The documentation covers Web and XML services, Google Sheets, CloudDB, sensors, Google Play uploading and external hardware connections. | The online guide points teachers to printable classroom materials and a curriculum for middle- and high-school students. |
| Privacy | MIT says it tracks site usage and information about projects and their development, and may log IP address operating system and browser software. | The privacy policy says users can create and run programs without registering, but must register to save projects on the service. |
| Purpose | MIT App Inventor is a free, web-based platform for creating, testing, and sharing mobile apps using block-based programming. | Pencil Code is a collaborative programming site for creating art, music, games, stories, and projects involving math, webpages, simulations, and algorithms. |
| Support | MIT directs users to a community forum where community experts answer questions, rather than promising commercial support contracts. | The team page invites classroom users and open-source contributors to join the discussion group and says Slack invitations are sent within about a day after submitting contact information. |
MIT App Inventor plans
- FreeFree
- MIT App InventorFree
Pencil Code plans
- Pencil CodeFree
Pick MIT App Inventor if…
MIT App Inventor suits beginners and learners who want to create mobile apps with blocks rather than conventional coding. It also fits educators and project-based learning, with tools for sharing and remixing projects.
Pick Pencil Code if…
Pencil Code suits learners, teachers, and classroom users exploring programming through projects. It is intended for educational use rather than business work.