Customer Reviews (500)

jack135797531 • 2025-03-21T11:12:08-07:00

I wanted a clean, sandboxed Python environment without a lot of fuss and this does just the trick. I would suggest that the developer adapt this with Mac Catalyst a bit more to leverage Mac’s document-based windows and have the ability to save to the Finder. It works great as-is, so I bet a made-for-Mac version isn’t too intensive to convert to. Would be a great way get more customers

shirazphy • 2025-03-15T19:23:22-07:00

They are charging me 3$ every month and I have no way of cancelling it. I don’t think they have transparency in billing!

ACatWhoCode7 • 2025-02-28T12:08:39-07:00

Lots of features. Works well on phone. Reasonably priced. Provides lots of examples for learning. It’s really a complete package! You have to play around with it, but you can make pretty great things.

Summary of Key Insights

Pythonista 3 is a well-regarded Python scripting environment for iOS, praised for its comprehensive features and ease of use, especially for learning and quick scripting. However, its main weaknesses are related to outdated Python versions, limited module support (especially the lack of Pandas and SciPy/scikit-learn), and a perceived lack of recent updates and maintenance. Despite these drawbacks, the app enjoys a positive overall sentiment, with users appreciating its portability and ability to create functional apps on iOS devices. The recent update to Python 3.10 and addition of Pandas is a welcome change.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: High (based on review distribution)
  • 5-Star Reviews: 62.8% (314/500)
  • 4-Star Reviews: 10.2% (51/500)
  • 3-Star Reviews: 7.6% (38/500)
  • 2-Star Reviews: 4.4% (22/500)
  • 1-Star Reviews: 15% (75/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Unspecified, but reviews span multiple years, indicating a long-term perspective on the app.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of review tone)
    • Keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms and topics)
    • Categorization of feature requests and pain points based on review content

Key User Pain Points

  • Outdated Python Version: Many users complain about the app running older Python versions (previously 3.6, now updated to 3.10) and how this limits their ability to use newer language features and libraries. Impact: Prevents users from leveraging modern Python capabilities.
  • Limited Module Support: The inability to install certain popular modules, particularly Pandas, SciPy, scikit-learn, yfinance, and others with C/C++ dependencies, is a major frustration. Impact: Restricts the type of projects users can undertake and reduces the app's usefulness for data science and machine learning tasks.
  • Lack of Updates & Maintenance: Users perceive a lack of recent updates and bug fixes, leading to concerns about the app's long-term viability. Impact: Erodes user confidence and makes the app more prone to compatibility issues with newer iOS versions.
  • Bugs and Crashes: Some users report issues such as the vanishing code, flickering turtle graphics, unresponsive console, and keyboard-related bugs. Impact: Hinders productivity and creates a frustrating coding experience.
  • Difficulty Importing Files: Some users struggle to import files from iCloud, Google Drive, or other locations. Impact: Limits the app's ability to work with existing projects and data.
  • Billing Issues: At least one user complained about unexpected charges and difficulty cancelling. Impact: Negative financial experience and distrust in the app.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Expanded Module Support: Pandas, SciPy, scikit-learn, Pygame, yfinance, Tkinter, and other popular libraries.
  • PIP Support: A native way to install modules using pip.
  • Updated Python Version: Keeping the Python version up-to-date with the latest releases.
  • Git Integration: Native support for Git version control.
  • AI Plugin Functionality: Integration with ChatGPT or other AI coding assistants.
  • Mac Catalyst Support: A Mac version of the app that leverages Mac's document-based windows and Finder integration.
  • Dark Mode: A dark mode theme (this might be implemented already).
  • Terminal Access/Docker Support: Access to a terminal and potentially Docker for advanced development.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: The app is praised for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to beginners and experienced coders alike.
  • Comprehensive Features: Pythonista offers a complete scripting environment with a code editor, interactive prompt, debugger, UI editor, and documentation.
  • iOS Integration: The app integrates well with iOS, allowing users to access sensor data, contacts, reminders, photos, and other device features.
  • Offline Functionality: The app works offline, making it useful for coding on the go.
  • Portability: The ability to code on an iPhone or iPad is highly valued by users who want to code while traveling or away from their computers.
  • Shortcut Integration: Pythonista's integration with the Shortcuts app is a major selling point for automation.
  • Good Documentation and Examples: The app includes complete offline documentation and many examples to help users get started.
  • Customizability: Users appreciate the ability to customize the app's appearance with themes and editors.
  • Debugging tools: Integrated visual debugger and object inspector

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  1. Update Python Version: Keeping the Python version up-to-date is crucial for attracting and retaining users.
  2. Expand Module Support: Adding support for Pandas, SciPy, and other frequently requested modules would significantly increase the app's value.
  3. Address Bugs and Crashes: Fixing reported bugs and crashes is essential for ensuring a stable and reliable user experience.
  4. Improve Module Installation: Provide a more user-friendly way to install modules, ideally through native pip support.

Medium Priority:

  1. Implement Git Integration: Native Git support would be a valuable addition for developers who use version control.
  2. Explore Mac Catalyst Support: Creating a Mac version of the app could attract new users and provide a more seamless coding experience.
  3. Enhance File Import/Export: Improve the ability to import and export files from iCloud, Google Drive, and other locations.
  4. Add AI Plugin Functionality: Consider integrating with AI coding assistants to enhance productivity.

Low Priority:

  1. Address Keyboard Bugs: Fix any remaining keyboard-related bugs to improve the coding experience.
  2. Implement Pyaudio support: Add Pyaudio support for users to process and create audio.
  3. Improve Spellcheck/Grammar Check: Add spellcheck/grammar check to the keyboard.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Mobile-First Data Science Platform: A dedicated mobile app for data science tasks, building upon Pythonista's foundation and providing seamless access to Pandas, SciPy, and other essential libraries.
  • AI-Powered Coding Assistant for iOS: An app that integrates with Pythonista to provide real-time code completion, error detection, and debugging assistance using AI.
  • Educational Platform for Python on iOS: A comprehensive learning platform that combines Pythonista with interactive tutorials, coding challenges, and community support.
  • Cross-Platform Python IDE: An IDE built using a framework like Flutter or React Native that provides a consistent coding experience across iOS, Android, and desktop platforms.

Trends and Observations

  • Data Science Focus: A significant number of users are interested in using Pythonista for data science and machine learning tasks.
  • Automation Use Cases: Many users leverage Pythonista for automating tasks on their iOS devices.
  • Beginner-Friendly: The app is praised for being accessible to beginners, making it a good choice for learning Python.
  • Desire for Modern Features: Users consistently request features found in modern Python IDEs, such as Git integration and AI assistance.
  • Language Preferences: The majority of reviews are in English, but there are also reviews in Chinese, Arabic, and Korean, indicating a global user base.

Conclusion

Pythonista 3 remains a valuable tool for Python scripting on iOS, but its long-term success depends on addressing key user pain points, particularly the outdated Python version and limited module support. By prioritizing updates and feature enhancements, the developer can solidify Pythonista's position as the leading Python IDE for iOS and attract a wider range of users. Given the recent update, the app remains a solid choice, and further improvements would solidify its standing.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pythonista-3/id1085978097?uo=2