Field notes / Linux on iPad

Linux & coding.
On your iPad.

Practical guides to Linux, desktop tools and coding on your iPad. Choose a setup, open a terminal, then try a small project.

New to LinPad?

Start with Linux on iPad to understand the options. If you are ready to try it, follow the sideloading instructions and fast-mode setup. LinPad is a pre-release targeting M1-or-newer iPads on iPadOS 17 or later.

01 / Choose your setup

Linux on iPad

Understand local Linux apps, virtual machines and remote computers, then choose the setup that fits the work you want to do.

Read the guide 02 / Set up your editor

VS Code on iPad

Compare browser editing, remote compute and LinPad’s local Linux desktop editor. Open a project and understand the compatibility limits.

Read the guide 03 / Learn the terminal

iPad terminal

Choose between a local shell and SSH, make a text file, install an Alpine package and understand where your iPad’s Linux files live.

Read the guide 04 / Build a first project

Coding on iPad

Run a small JavaScript program locally, keep its files in Git and open the folder in VS Code. No dependencies or cloud account needed for the exercise.

Read the guide 05 / Work with Python

Python on iPad

Install Python in LinPad, run a small script and keep package dependencies in a virtual environment. Learn which workloads need another computer.

Read the guide

Small steps. Useful tools.

These guides describe the current project sources and known limits. The manual holds the full shortcut and app reference; the FAQ explains compatibility. Screenshots are development builds captured in the iPad simulator.