LESS css - JS Parser vs Compiled

Question

I was wondering if anyone knew if the JS interpreter for LESS css causes any noticeable delays in page loading. I would prefer to use the JS parser simply because it's easier to use, since I won't have to run the compiler after every edit and easier to manage the source code as SCM tools won't be tracking both the .less and .css files

You don't have to manually compile after each edit. Just let your less files be watched for changes. I use SASS, and all I do is run sass --watch sass:css in the command line. Also, doing it with JS supposedly makes the page quite slow on mobile environments... — Šime Vidas
– Šime Vidas, Commented May 3, 2012 at 1:41
You can also have your .htaccess file direct referenced .less files towards the compiler and return the compiled CSS: stackoverflow.com/a/12274629/1455709 — Patrick
– Patrick, Commented Dec 15, 2013 at 9:36

Petah · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-03 01:37:54Z

6

Its not slow on fast computers/browsers. However depending on your target audience I wouldn't use it.

I would rather setup lessc to watch a file/directory and generate css files on save. And then commit both the less and the css files to your SCM (that is infact what I do).

Also doing it this way allows for continuous integration builds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuous_integration

answered May 3, 2012 at 1:37

Petah

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V-Light · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-03 01:52:57Z

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I would also suggest parse LESS styles into normal CSS. There're still people who have JS turned OFF or who use some JS-blocking addons. In such case, you'll get unstyled page, which is not the best way to impress your audience.

If you're on Mac - try Less.App If you're on Windows - try WinLess If you're on Linux - try SimpleLess

All applications have an Option to "watch directory" (with LESS styles) and compile automatically if changed. Less.App & WinLess have a lot of other options like: compile minified, start with system, start minimized, etc...

answered May 3, 2012 at 1:52

V-Light

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1 Comment

Petah Over a year ago

People who disable JS can... go away. I mean, why do that. JS is part of the web. Its like disabling all application written in C.

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