Stylus Compiler

Stylus Compiler - Compile Stylus to CSS Online

Our Stylus Compiler is a powerful online tool that allows you to compile Stylus code to standard CSS instantly. Stylus is a CSS preprocessor that provides a clean, expressive syntax for writing CSS with features like variables, mixins, functions, and nested rules. This compiler helps you transform your Stylus code into browser-compatible CSS without needing to install any software or configure build tools.

What is Stylus?

Stylus is a CSS preprocessor that offers a flexible, expressive syntax for writing stylesheets. It's known for its minimal syntax - you can write Stylus with or without braces, colons, and semicolons. Stylus extends CSS with powerful features that make stylesheet development more efficient and maintainable:

• Variables: Store values like colors, fonts, or sizes in variables (e.g., primary-color = #3498db)
• Mixins: Reusable blocks of CSS that can be included in other rules
• Nested Rules: Write CSS rules inside other rules, mirroring HTML structure
• Functions: Built-in functions for color manipulation, math operations, and more
• Operations: Perform mathematical operations on values
• Imports: Split your stylesheets into multiple files and import them with @import
• Flexible Syntax: Write with or without braces, colons, and semicolons
• Transparent Mixins: Mixins can accept arguments and return values

How Does the Stylus Compiler Work?

Our Stylus compiler uses the official Stylus library to process your Stylus code and convert it into standard CSS. The compilation process:

1. Parses Stylus Syntax: Analyzes your Stylus code for variables, mixins, nested rules, and functions
2. Resolves Variables: Replaces all variable references with their actual values
3. Expands Mixins: Includes mixin definitions into the rules that call them
4. Flattens Nested Rules: Converts nested selectors into standard CSS selectors
5. Evaluates Functions: Executes Stylus functions like darken(), lighten(), and percentage()
6. Processes Imports: Resolves @import statements (if included in input)
7. Generates CSS: Outputs clean, browser-compatible CSS code

Key Features of Our Stylus Compiler

• Real-time Compilation: See your CSS output update automatically as you type
• Error Detection: Get clear error messages if your Stylus code has syntax errors
• Syntax Highlighting: Color-coded code editor for better readability
• File Upload: Upload Stylus files directly from your computer
• Download Output: Download the compiled CSS file instantly
• Sample Code: Try our example Stylus code to see how it works
• No Installation Required: Compile Stylus code directly in your browser

How to Use the Stylus Compiler

1. Enter Stylus Code: Type or paste your Stylus code into the input field on the left
2. Automatic Compilation: The CSS output will appear automatically on the right (with a 500ms debounce)
3. Manual Compile: Click the "Compile" button if you want to compile immediately
4. Review Output: Check the compiled CSS in the output field
5. Copy or Download: Use the copy button or download the CSS file
6. Handle Errors: If there are compilation errors, they will be displayed in red below the input

Stylus Syntax Examples

Variables

primary-color = #3498db
font-size-base = 16px
margin-base = 20px

.button
    background-color: primary-color
    font-size: font-size-base
    margin: margin-base

Mixins

border-radius(radius = 5px)
    border-radius: radius
    -webkit-border-radius: radius
    -moz-border-radius: radius

.button
    border-radius(10px)
    background-color: primary-color

Nested Rules

.container
    max-width: 1200px
    margin: 0 auto
    
    .header
        background: secondary-color
        padding: margin-base
        
        h1
            color: white
            font-size: 24px

Stylus vs Other Preprocessors

Stylus offers a unique syntax that's more flexible than SCSS or LESS:

• Optional Syntax: You can write Stylus with or without braces, colons, and semicolons
• Cleaner Code: Less punctuation makes code more readable
• Powerful Mixins: Mixins can accept arguments and return values like functions
• Built-in Functions: Extensive library of built-in functions for common operations
• JavaScript Integration: Can use JavaScript expressions in Stylus code

Use Cases

• Web Development: Compile Stylus stylesheets for web projects
• Learning Stylus: Experiment with Stylus syntax and see the compiled CSS output
• Quick Testing: Test Stylus code snippets without setting up a build environment
• Code Conversion: Convert Stylus code to CSS for projects that don't use preprocessors
• Debugging: Check what CSS is generated from your Stylus code

Best Practices

• Use Variables: Store commonly used values in variables for easier maintenance
• Create Mixins: Use mixins for reusable code patterns
• Organize with Nesting: Use nesting to reflect your HTML structure
• Keep It Readable: While Stylus allows minimal syntax, use it consistently
• Test Compilation: Always verify your compiled CSS works as expected