ByteWorks has released techBASIC App Builder, which gives iOS app developers the ability to write a program in techBASIC on the iPhone or iPad, compile it under Xcode with the techBASIC App Builder, and sell it on the Apple App Store.

TechBASIC App Builder takes techBASIC programs written on iOS and converts them into fully functional stand-alone apps, enabling developers to write apps without using Objective C, says Mike Westerfield, president of Byte Works. Once created, these apps can be distributed just like any other app.

They can be submitted to the Apple App Store as free or paid apps, or distributed using ad hoc distribution to any iPhone or iPad. The end product is an app that is indistinguishable from apps written in Objective C, according to Westerfield.

TechBASIC requires an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad running iOS 5 or later. It costs US$14.99 and is available in the App Store Utilities category.

TechBASIC App Builder requires Xcode running on a Mac. Apps require iOS 5 or higher. It costs US$49 and is available at the Byte Works website (http://tinyurl.com/ass2z4p).