Why use an iPad for development?

Who needs a laptop when you can squash bugs with a literal tap on the screen with the iPad? Here are some arguments for and against using an iPad for development:

Arguments against:

• I understand that many people think it is ridiculous to use the iPad for development
• The iPad is limited, mainly because of iPadOS as the hardware is very capable
• There is a limited selection of applications that can be run on iPadOS
• A lack of first-class IDEs
• Keyboard shortcuts are often limited
• Lack of first class local file access
• Smaller screen than most laptops

Arguments for:

• All day battery life
• No annoying fan noises
  • Mainly an issue with Windows based laptops
• Apps I use a lot and easy installation from the app store
• Portability and robustness
  • I am not as afraid of carrying it around with me as I am a full laptop
  • The iPad is not as heavy as most laptops
• Compatibility with iPhone including easy copy and paste of information
• My iPad is typically available wherever I am
• With cloud-based applications you don’t need to install applications locallly
  • Cloud applications can be limited
• I suppose I should mention the Apple Pencil although I don’t really use that for development, but the touch screen can be really useful at times
• Testing on an iPad while developing on the iPad can be useful if that is one of the platforms you plan to run on
• Being forced to develop in the cloud can mean you are less likely to lose your work from a system crash
• Cellular connectivity can be really useful when there is no Wi-Fi or the Wi-Fi connection is not very strong