The best apps to learn computer science on your iPhone, from how computers work to writing code
Knowverse comes first for the ideas behind computing: it is one of 17 subject categories, and each idea is taught step by step and then brought back as flashcards and quizzes. It is not a code editor. Brilliant is the pick for problem solving in computer science, algorithms and Python, while Mimo, Sololearn and Programming Hub are for practicing code in the app.
The list is ranked by how well each app teaches core concepts, how short the sessions are, and whether you can revisit material later.
Knowverse is our own app. We rank it first for this need and explain why. Details about the other apps come from their App Store listings, checked on 2026-11-07.
We looked at three things: how much of the thinking behind computer science each app teaches, how short a session can be, and whether it brings material back for review. Apps that explain ideas step by step and bring them back over time ranked higher than apps built mainly for practicing a programming language.
1
Knowverse - Learn in minutes
Thomas Rossi Mel · Free download · New app, no ratings yet
Knowverse leads for learning computer science concepts with spaced review and no code editor.
Knowverse delivers step-by-step courses across 17 subject categories, with computing as one of them. Each lesson introduces a single idea using guided visual flows and interactive reveal cards, then flashcards, knowledge-check quizzes and practice exercises make you recall it and revisit it over time. Daily streaks encourage a habit. It runs on iPhone and iPad, is free to download and English only, and has no App Store ratings yet. It does not include a code editor.
Brilliant excels at guided problem solving for algorithms and Python fundamentals.
Brilliant uses a tutor-style approach: you work through problems with a tutor that sees where you are stuck, sketches on your screen and guides you with questions. Courses cover Python, computer science, algorithms, AI, neural networks and data analysis, scaling from foundational math to college-level calculus. The tutor adapts to your level, and the focus on problem solving builds understanding rather than formula memorizing. The download is free.
Good
Tutor-guided problem solving
Courses in Python, algorithms and AI
Adapts to your level
Less good
Leans toward math and problem solving rather than a wide computer science survey
Mimo GmbH · Free download · 4.8 ★ (111,064 ratings)
Mimo combines structured paths, a mobile editor and AI tools for aspiring developers.
Mimo offers structured learning paths in Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS and SQL, plus AI-assisted development tools. A mobile code editor lets you write, run and edit Python, JavaScript and HTML in the app, and projects help you build a portfolio. Progress tracking includes certificates, streaks and leaderboards. The experience is aimed at aspiring developers, so it centers on programming languages and practical coding.
Good
Structured paths in Python, JS, HTML, CSS, SQL
Mobile code editor for writing and running code
AI-assisted development and portfolio projects
Less good
Centers on programming languages rather than broader computer science ideas
SoloLearn Inc. · Free download · paid plan in listing · 4.8 ★ (82,200 ratings)
Sololearn offers many languages, a mobile editor and spaced repetition for daily practice.
Sololearn provides interactive, bite-sized lessons across more than 20 programming languages, including Python, JavaScript and SQL, with career tracks and full courses. A mobile code editor and an in-app AI teacher called Kodie give help when you are stuck, and the listing says spaced repetition is built into the learning. To unlock all features, the listing describes a Pro plan with a free trial.
Rightsol PTE LTD · Free download · paid plan in listing · 4.8 ★ (9,859 ratings)
Programming Hub provides a large example library and compiler for quick coding reference.
Programming Hub offers game-like coding lessons in HTML, JavaScript, C, C++, C#, Swift, Python, R, Java and more, with 35+ courses. The app bundles more than 5,000 code examples and a compiler that can compile and run over 20 programming languages, so you can practice on the go. It is a free download for iPhone and iPad. The focus is on language syntax and examples rather than broader computer science ideas.
Good
35+ courses across many languages
5,000+ code examples
A compiler for 20+ languages
Less good
More of a language reference than a concepts course
Which app is best for the concepts behind computer science?
Knowverse teaches computing one idea at a time with flashcards and quizzes, and it does not include a code editor. Brilliant also works through computer science and algorithms with a guiding tutor.
Which apps let me write and run code on my phone?
According to the listings, Mimo has a mobile code editor for Python, JavaScript and HTML, Sololearn has a mobile code editor, and Programming Hub has a compiler that runs over 20 programming languages.
Are these apps free?
All five are free downloads. The Sololearn listing describes a Pro plan to unlock all features, so check each App Store page for current prices and plans.
Pick the app that matches your goal: concepts first with Knowverse, guided problem solving with Brilliant, or hands-on coding with Mimo, Sololearn or Programming Hub.
Sources: Apple App Store listings, checked 2026-11-07. Prices, ratings and features come from each app’s App Store listing on that date and can change.
