What is the difference between SCSS and SASS ?
SCSS and SASS are both syntaxes of the SASS preprocessor, enhancing CSS with advanced features. SCSS uses a CSS-like syntax and file extension `.scss`, making it easier for developers familiar with CSS. SASS, using `.sass`, has a more concise, indentation-based syntax.
Let’s list down the main difference between SCSS and SASS.
Table of Content
- What is SCSS?
- Features of SCSS
- What is SASS?
- Features of SASS
- difference between SCSS and SASS
What is SCSS?
SCSS (Sassy CSS) is a syntax of SASS, offering a more CSS-like syntax. It includes features like variables, nesting, mixins, and inheritance while maintaining full compatibility with standard CSS. SCSS files use the .scss extension and enhance CSS with advanced functionalities for easier and more maintainable styling.
Example: Here This SCSS file defines variables `$bgcolor`, `$textcolor`, and `$fontsize` for styling. These variables are used to set the `background-color`, `color`, and `font-size` properties for the `body` element.
/* .scss file */
$bgcolor: blue;
$textcolor: red;
$fontsize: 25px;
/* Use the variables */
body {
background-color: $bgcolor;
color: $textcolor;
font-size: $fontsize;
}
Output CSS:
body {
background-color: blue;
color: red;
font-size: 25px;
}
/* now this can apply resulting html file */
Features of SCSS
- Variables: Store reusable values like colors and fonts for consistent styling.
- Nesting: Nest CSS selectors in a hierarchical manner for better readability.
- Mixins: Create reusable chunks of styles, avoiding repetitive code.
- Inheritance: Use @extend to share styles between selectors, simplifying the codebase.
- Partials and Importing: Modularize CSS using @import, keeping styles organized and maintainable.
What is SASS?
SASS (Syntactically Awesome Stylesheets) is a CSS preprocessor that extends CSS with features like variables, nested rules, mixins, and functions, allowing for more efficient and maintainable stylesheets. It compiles into regular CSS, providing enhanced functionality and organization for complex projects.
Example: This SASS file defines variables `$primary-color` and `$primary-bg` for styling. These variables are used to set the `color` and `background` properties for the `body` element using SASS’s indentation-based syntax.
/* SASS */
$primary-color: green
$primary-bg: red
body
color: $primary-color
background: $primary-bg
Output CSS:
/* CSS */
body {
color: green;
background: red;
}
Features of SASS
- Variables: Store values like colors, fonts, or any CSS value, making styles reusable.
- Nesting: Nest CSS selectors in a way that follows the same visual hierarchy as your HTML.
- Partials: Use @import to include external Sass files, keeping styles modular and organized.
- Mixins: Define reusable chunks of code, allowing you to avoid repetitive styles.
- Inheritance: Use @extend to share a set of CSS properties from one selector to another, simplifying the style management.
Difference between SCSS and SASS
Feature | SCSS | SASS |
---|---|---|
Syntax | CSS-like syntax with braces and semicolons | Indentation-based syntax without braces or semicolons |
File Extension | .scss | .sass |
Compatibility | Fully compatible with all versions of CSS | Requires a different syntax, not directly compatible with standard CSS |
Flexibility | Familiar to those who know CSS | More concise and cleaner for some developers |
Usage | Ideal for developers transitioning from CSS | Preferred by those who favor a streamlined syntax |
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