Software Alternatives & Startups

REBOL VS TouchDevelop

Compare REBOL VS TouchDevelop and see what are their differences

REBOL

Rebol (historically REBOL) is a cross-platform data exchange language and a multi-paradigm dynamic...

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
TouchDevelop

Program your devices directly from your devices with TouchDevelop! You do not need a separate PC.

No screenshot yet
Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, REBOL seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 1 time since March 2021.

social mentions
1 vs 0
Cryptocurrencies popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
31 vs 11

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

REBOL
TouchDevelop
Website rebol.com touchdevelop.com
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

REBOL 5 features
TouchDevelop 5 features
  • Simplicity
    REBOL is designed to be extremely simple and easy to learn, with a small footprint and a straightforward syntax that makes it accessible to beginners and quick for experienced developers to use.
  • Compactness
    REBOL code is usually very concise, often requiring fewer lines of code to accomplish tasks compared to other languages, which can lead to faster development cycles.
  • Cross-platform
    REBOL can run on multiple platforms with little to no modification of the code, enhancing its utility in diverse environments.
  • Network and Internet Orientation
    REBOL was designed with networking in mind, providing built-in support for various protocols and making it well-suited for internet applications.
  • Domain-Specific Language (DSL) Focus
    The language enables the creation of highly customizable DSLs, allowing developers to tailor the coding environment closely to the problem domain.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Libraries and Community Support
    REBOL's ecosystem is not as robust as those of more popular languages, which can limit the availability of libraries and community support for newcomers and developers.
  • Performance
    REBOL is not primarily designed for high-performance computing. It can be slower in execution compared to other languages optimized for performance.
  • Proprietary Nature
    Certain versions and tools related to REBOL have historically been proprietary, which can be a concern for developers and organizations wanting open-source solutions.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    REBOL lacks some of the modern programming features found in newer languages, which can be a drawback for developers accustomed to more contemporary programming paradigms.
  • Limited Documentation
    The available documentation and resources for REBOL are not as extensive as for more popular programming languages, potentially making it more challenging to learn and adopt.
  • Beginner-Friendly
    TouchDevelop provides a simplified programming environment that is accessible to beginners, making it easier for those with little to no coding experience to start developing applications.
  • Cross-Platform Development
    The platform allows users to create applications that can run on multiple operating systems like Windows, iOS, and Android, thus broadening the reach of the applications developed.
  • Cloud Integration
    TouchDevelop seamlessly integrates with cloud services, enabling users to store data and access various web services easily within their applications.
  • Mobile Friendly
    TouchDevelop can be used on mobile devices, allowing users to develop apps directly on their smartphones or tablets, which enhances portability and convenience.
  • Interactive Learning
    The interactive tutorial and help system guide users through the learning process, enhancing their understanding and making it easier to pick up programming concepts.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Features
    For more experienced developers, TouchDevelop lacks some advanced features and flexibility offered by more powerful development environments, limiting its usefulness for complex applications.
  • Discontinued Support
    TouchDevelop is no longer actively maintained by Microsoft, which means users might encounter issues or lack updates and support in the future.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection
    While it offers cloud integration, reliance on internet connectivity for some features can be a drawback in situations where access to the internet is limited or unavailable.
  • Platform-Specific Limitations
    Although it is designed for cross-platform compatibility, TouchDevelop may have some limitations or inconsistencies across different operating systems.
  • Limited Community and Resources
    As a niche tool with a smaller user base, finding community support, third-party tutorials, or comprehensive resources can be more challenging compared to popular platforms.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

REBOL
TouchDevelop

No analysis of REBOL yet.

Overall verdict

  • TouchDevelop was a well-designed educational programming tool created by Microsoft Research, but it has been discontinued and is no longer actively maintained or accessible as of 2019, making it not a viable choice for current use despite its historically innovative design.

Why this product is good

  • Pioneered touch-based coding for tablets and phones, letting users write scripts by tapping rather than typing
  • Cloud-based platform allowed scripts to run and sync across web, Windows, and mobile devices
  • Strong educational focus with a simple, structured language ideal for teaching programming fundamentals
  • Included a built-in library for accessing device sensors, media, and social APIs, enabling fun and interactive app creation
  • Backed by Microsoft Research, ensuring quality design and pedagogical thoughtfulness during its active years

Recommended for

  • Historical or academic interest in early mobile/touch-based coding environments
  • Researchers studying the evolution of educational programming tools
  • Not recommended for current coding education or app development due to discontinuation

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

REBOL 2 videos + Add
TouchDevelop 1 video + Add

REBOL RESTAURANT- CBUS FLAVORS REVIEW

More videos

  • - Rebol and 8th integration via zeromq

TouchDevelop - Create apps ON your phone!

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
REBOL
TouchDevelop
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
IDE
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using REBOL and TouchDevelop. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

REBOL 1 mention
TouchDevelop 0 mentions

Tracking TouchDevelop since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to REBOL and TouchDevelop

When comparing REBOL and TouchDevelop, you can also consider the following products.