LESS CSS Compiler monitors LESS files and automatically compiles them to CSS whenever they change.
This plugin uses version 1.6.0 of the official less.js compiler from lesscss.org.
This plugin is ONLY compatible with IntelliJ IDEA 11+, PhpStorm 5+, and WebStorm 5+. It should also be compatible with RubyMine 4.5+, but has not been tested.
Recursive Directory Monitoring
LESS CSS Compiler watches directories (and subdirectories) for changes to LESS files and automatically compiles them to CSS when they are saved in the editor (or when IntelliJ detects that they were modified outside the IDE).
You can monitor as many LESS directories as you like. You can also specify as many output directories as you like
so that compiled CSS files will be copied to multiple locations (e.g., a local src directory under version control
and a mounted target directory on a remote server).
The directory structure of the output CSS directories will be identical to the structure of the source LESS directory.
@import Dependency Resolution
Files that @import a modified LESS file will be re-compiled automatically.
For example, if home.less, about.less, and contact.less all @import "common.less",
modifying common.less will cause all three dependents to be re-compiled as well.
Include / Exclude File Patterns
Prevent specific LESS files from being compiled by specifying include / exclude patterns (glob) that match against filename, folder name, or any part of the complete path to the LESS file.
Move, Copy, and Delete Detection
When a LESS file is moved, copied, or deleted, LESS CSS Compiler will offer to do the same to the corresponding CSS file(s).
Virtual Filesystem Notifications
Unlike other solutions, this plugin is smart enough to notify IntelliJ when CSS files are changed, moved, copied, or deleted. In most cases, updated CSS files will be immediately reflected in the editor and Project tree view.
Selective Compilation
If the plugin somehow fails to catch changes to a LESS file, simply right-click anywhere in the editor or Project tree and select "Compile to CSS". You can also compile an entire directory by right-clicking on it in the Project tree.
Error Notifications
Any errors encountered during the compilation process will produce an error notification balloon in the IDE containing a link to the file and the line number that caused the error.
File > Settings (Windows / Linux) or IntelliJ IDEA > Preferences (Mac)File > Settings (Windows / Linux) or IntelliJ IDEA > Preferences (Mac)Project Settings, select LESS Compiler+ button to add a new LESS profileOKLESS CSS Compiler allows you to maintain arbitrarily complex directory structures with ease. For example, suppose we have a project with the following directory structure (LESS CSS Maven Plugin's default layout):
projectRoot/
+ src/main/
| + less/
| | + common/
| | | - common.less
| | | - layout.less
| | | - reset.less
| | + home/
| | | - home.less
| | + checkout/
| | | - checkout.less
| | | - billing.less
| | | - payment.less
| + webapp/
| | + media/
| | | + css/
| | | | + common/
| | | | + home/
| | | | + checkout/
+ target/
| + media/
| | + css/
| | | + v2/
| | | | + common/
| | | | + home/
| | | | + checkout/Such a structure would be impossible to maintain using other tools. With LESS CSS Compiler, it's a breeze.
Slow First Compile
The first time you update a .less file it will take a few seconds to compile.
This is because LESS CSS Compiler uses the Rhino JavaScript engine to run less.js, and Rhino
takes a while to initialize. But don't worry - after the initial compilation, all future compiles should complete in < 1 sec.
Notable alternatives to this plugin:
Clone the repository:
git clone git://github.com/acdvorak/intellij-lessc-plugin.gitEnsure required plugins are enabled in IntelliJ:
Import project into IntelliJ:
File > Import Project...
Select the root directory of the Git repository you cloned
Accept the default project name and location
Check all source file directories
UNCHECK the lessc-plugin library
Check all modules
If prompted "The module file 'lessc-plugin.iml' already exist. Would you like to overwrite it?", click Reuse
Select the IntelliJ SDK (IDEA IU-xxx.yyy or IDEA IC-xxx.yyy)
If you don't see the IntelliJ SDK:
+ button and select IntelliJ Platform Plugin SDKClick "Finish"
IMPORTANT: Mark module directories appropriately:
Go to File > Project Structure and select Modules under Project Settings.
You can also right-click on each directory in the Project tree and select Mark Directory As.
| Directory | Type |
|---|---|
| lessc-plugin/src | Sources Root |
| lessc-plugin/resources | Resources Root |
| asual-lesscss-engine/src/main/java | Sources Root |
| asual-lesscss-engine/src/main/resources | Resources Root |
| asual-lesscss-engine/src/test/java | Test Sources Root |
| asual-lesscss-engine/src/test/resources | Test Resources Root |
Add a Run/Debug configuration for lessc-plugin, type = Plugin
Test the plugin by going to Run > Debug lessc-plugin
Copyright 2012-2013 Andrew C. Dvorak.
Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License"); you may not use this file except in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at
http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied. See the License for the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the License.