Is there any way to do some level of actual programming directly on the Surface RT? I expect that (just like with iOS) you need a "real" PC to develop actual apps for it, but perhaps there are some scripting languages available that run directly on the Surface, so for example my son can do some programming exercises on it?
Or would I need to use a web service for that like ideone?
37 Answers
No, there is no App currently available to "practice" programming on Surface RT. Even if an App comes up for this purpose, it will be very controlled and would not be able to match up the features available in a Desktop environment.
And as you said, Ideone seems to be ideal for this purpose and should work in Metro IE without any problems.
My Surface RT just arrived, and I'm pleased to find that PowerShell is included. I guess that's not really a programming language for beginners, but it's a start.
If it's not too late and you don't mind waiting a few months (or dropping extra cash), you can return the RT and purchase the Surface Pro when it comes out.
2Yay, my favourite language has been made available on Windows RT (by none other than Python guru Martin v. Löwis): Python 3 for Metro
Here's a related question on StackOverflow.
Actually, there's a jailbreak, and you can run Python, and Perl, and some others. Must be compiled for ARM whilst in test mode
2One year later after posting your question: YES.
You can use PascalABC.NET, it runs on the Surface RT with Windows 8/8.1 on test mode, and it also runs on the Surface RT upgraded to Windows 10 (yes, there is such thing). PascalABC.NET is quite common in Russia and regarding your question: yes you can run, design and code on the RT, and even build .exe files.
Another option is QuickSharp but I've been unable to create .exe files as it needs extra configuration. But PascalABC on the other hand does it all out of the box.
I found an app called codebox that can compile and run programs in many languages for Windows tablet. I just tested it so don't know what are the limits...
