Almost three years and a half after filing the iPad is becoming a little less this device for consuming content and at the same time is geared towards advanced and creative users who see the tablet a real tool. The architect of this change is clear: the apps.
In this blog we spoke quite often of great applications that have come to the App Store and permitting were gradually do more and more on our iPad. With the aim of extending the possibilities of our tablet app arrives today we will analyze: Textastic. This application, which connects the world of iOS development, allows developers to write and edit code anywhere and anytime.
In mid-April I decided that this summer he finished college exams dedicate me to learn something that did not yet know:
create web pages using HTML and CSS. I quickly became a manual for beginners and I find a Mac application (the chosen one was Coda 2) however when looking for an application that would allow me to more or less comfortable practicing HTML and CSS on the iPad the Diet Coda above not just convince me (for a number of features that I will mention later) and finish choosing Textastic for iPad. May the eyes of an expert is not the best choice, but as a beginner I am looking for information and experience I’ve had with this app makes me think it is a very good alternative.
The first of all the benefits of this app, and Diet Coda does not have, is the ability to edit files locally or offline. While only a limited online edition via FTP or SFTP connection, Textastic allows such connections with Drop box WebDAV and cannot only edit files that are in the network, but also can download the application and be able to work even where there is no internet connection. In addition they are also working on integration with iCloud so that the files that work are also available in versions for Mac and iPhone Textastic.
Also draws attention to the large number of languages supported, over 80 and including some as widespread as HTML,
CSS, XML, Objective-C, C + +, PHP. Furthermore not only lets you create code faster with the help of auto-complete, but recognizes the syntax of each language and highlights in different colors so we can quickly identify the code. Speaking of colors, I liked the ability to choose different themes for the code editor window so that it fits the situation (not the same type in a dark room in a well-lit).
Nor have neglected data entry via the keyboard and text selection. As is usual in writing oriented applications have added a bar on the keyboard that allows quick access to characters that would otherwise be hidden in a second or third view of the keyboard. They have also added an element that floats on the interface (which is activated by pressing two fingers on the code) by which we can move through the text and select in the same way we would if we had a cursor. One last thing that I liked is the ability to preview the result of the HTML and CSS that we have written in our iPad, which is useful for someone learning like me.
The idea of this type of application is not to sit down and create a website before our iPad (and perhaps a Bluetooth keyboard) but to make small tweaks or on work when we are away from our computer, however, are fully capable and with a little patience morning (on the computer always going to end up making it faster) could create a full web from our iPad. For this reason it is highly recommended because of the versatility they give us such solutions, that if the experience is much better with an external keyboard.
Conclusions
Although the market for such apps is somewhat reduced, and we have several very reliable alternative if you want to take a chance on your iPad for this type of tasks and you think Diet Coda overrated (19 €) do not hesitate to try Textastic. For € 7.99 you will find a robust app that continues to improve thanks to the constant development make their creators..
