B4X is a suite of rapid application development tools for Android, iOS, desktop, server and IoT projects. Its programming language is described as a modern version of Visual Basic, and B4A, B4J and B4i projects can share 90%+ of their code through cross-platform libraries. B4A includes a visual interface designer for different screens and orientations, plus debugging over USB or a wireless bridge. B4J creates desktop interfaces, console programs and server solutions for Windows, Mac, Linux and ARM boards such as Raspberry Pi. B4R targets Arduino, ESP8266 and ESP32. The maker says compiled iOS, Android, Arduino and ESP8266 apps are native and dependency-free. B4A, B4R and B4J are free, including for commercial use; B4A Standard and B4i Standard each cost 59.00 USD once per developer. B4i requires an Apple developer account costing $99 per year, an iOS 11+ device, and Windows 7 64-bit or a VM for its IDE. The hosted Mac Builder handles projects up to 50mb.
Who it is for
B4X suits developers building across mobile, desktop, server or IoT targets who want to reuse code among its tools. iOS developers should account for B4i's stated account, device and IDE requirements.
What is good
- B4A, B4R and B4J are free for commercial use
- Projects can share 90%+ of code
- Includes a visual UI designer
- B4J supports desktop, server and IoT work
- B4i Standard costs 59.00 USD once
What to know first
- B4i requires an Apple developer account costing $99 per year
- Hosted Mac Builder supports projects up to 50mb
- B4i IDE requires Windows 7 64-bit or a VM
Verdict
B4X spans mobile, desktop, server and IoT development, with free tools and paid licenses. Review B4i's requirements and hosted builder limit if iOS development is part of your plans.
B4X plans and pricing
All plansCompared on mobile development IDEs
- Free plan
- Yes
- Mobile targets
- Android, iOS
- Desktop platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Emulator or simulator
- Yes
- Visual UI designer
- Yes
- App packaging
- Yes
- Supported languages
- B4X, Java
