Sass Compilers and Task Runners Comparison
sass vs node-sass vs postcss-sass vs gulp-sass vs grunt-sass vs dart-sass
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What's Sass Compilers and Task Runners?

These packages are tools for compiling Sass (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets), a CSS preprocessor that extends CSS with features like variables, nested rules, and mixins. Each package serves different use cases, from standalone compilers to task runners integrated into build systems, allowing developers to streamline their CSS workflow and enhance productivity.

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sass14,548,3673,9925.66 MB7311 days agoMIT
node-sass1,325,8858,5071.83 MB1872 years agoMIT
postcss-sass952,28792-194 years agoMIT
gulp-sass351,6561,56923.9 kB24a month agoMIT
grunt-sass150,0931,013-35 years agoMIT
dart-sass17,4823,992-735 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: sass vs node-sass vs postcss-sass vs gulp-sass vs grunt-sass vs dart-sass

Implementation

  • sass:

    Sass (Dart Sass) is the most feature-rich and actively maintained version of Sass. It supports all the latest features and is recommended for new projects, ensuring compatibility and performance.

  • node-sass:

    Node Sass is a library that provides bindings to LibSass, a C++ implementation of Sass. It is known for its speed but is limited to the features available in LibSass, which is no longer actively developed.

  • postcss-sass:

    PostCSS Sass allows you to write Sass syntax while leveraging PostCSS's plugin architecture. This enables you to use Sass alongside other PostCSS plugins for additional CSS processing and optimization.

  • gulp-sass:

    Gulp Sass is a Gulp plugin that utilizes the Node Sass compiler (or Dart Sass) to compile Sass files. It streams the output, allowing for faster builds and better performance in larger projects.

  • grunt-sass:

    Grunt Sass is a wrapper around the Dart Sass compiler, allowing you to use Sass within Grunt tasks. It provides a simple way to integrate Sass compilation into your Grunt workflow, making it easy to automate tasks.

  • dart-sass:

    Dart Sass is the primary implementation of Sass, written in Dart and compiled to JavaScript. It supports all Sass features and is the most up-to-date version, ensuring you have access to the latest syntax and capabilities.

Performance

  • sass:

    Sass (Dart Sass) is highly performant and is continuously optimized. It is the go-to choice for developers looking for speed and efficiency in their Sass compilation.

  • node-sass:

    Node Sass is known for its fast compilation times due to its native bindings. However, it may not support the latest Sass features, which could affect long-term performance and maintainability.

  • postcss-sass:

    PostCSS Sass can be as fast as Dart Sass, depending on the PostCSS plugins used. It allows for advanced optimizations and transformations, which can enhance performance in production builds.

  • gulp-sass:

    Gulp Sass is designed for speed, using a streaming approach that minimizes file I/O and speeds up the build process. This makes it ideal for larger projects where performance is a concern.

  • grunt-sass:

    Grunt Sass performance depends on the Grunt task runner's efficiency. It may not be as fast as Gulp due to Grunt's file-based processing, but it integrates well with existing Grunt workflows.

  • dart-sass:

    Dart Sass is optimized for performance and is the recommended implementation for most projects. It compiles Sass to CSS quickly and efficiently, making it suitable for both small and large codebases.

Feature Support

  • sass:

    Sass (Dart Sass) is the most feature-complete implementation, supporting all current Sass features and syntax. It is the best choice for developers who want to utilize the full power of Sass.

  • node-sass:

    Node Sass supports a wide range of Sass features but is limited to those available in LibSass, which is now deprecated and does not receive updates for new Sass features.

  • postcss-sass:

    PostCSS Sass allows you to use Sass syntax while benefiting from the PostCSS ecosystem. It supports Sass features, but the focus is on PostCSS plugins for additional functionality.

  • gulp-sass:

    Gulp Sass can use either Node Sass or Dart Sass, but if you choose Node Sass, you may miss out on the latest Sass features. Dart Sass is recommended for full feature support.

  • grunt-sass:

    Grunt Sass supports most Sass features but may lag behind Dart Sass in terms of new syntax and capabilities due to its reliance on Dart Sass as a backend.

  • dart-sass:

    Dart Sass supports all Sass features, including the latest additions like modules and new syntax. It is the reference implementation and is always up-to-date with the latest specifications.

Integration

  • sass:

    Sass (Dart Sass) can be integrated into any JavaScript environment, making it a flexible choice for various projects. It supports both CLI and programmatic usage.

  • node-sass:

    Node Sass is primarily used in Node.js environments and can be integrated into various build tools. However, it is less flexible than Dart Sass in terms of usage scenarios.

  • postcss-sass:

    PostCSS Sass integrates well with PostCSS, allowing you to use Sass syntax while taking advantage of PostCSS plugins for additional processing. This makes it suitable for modern CSS workflows.

  • gulp-sass:

    Gulp Sass is designed for Gulp workflows, enabling fast and efficient Sass compilation as part of your build process. It works well with other Gulp plugins for a streamlined development experience.

  • grunt-sass:

    Grunt Sass integrates seamlessly with Grunt, allowing you to add Sass compilation to your existing Grunt tasks with minimal configuration. It is ideal for projects already using Grunt.

  • dart-sass:

    Dart Sass can be used in various environments, including Node.js and browsers, making it highly versatile for different projects. It can be integrated easily into build systems and workflows.

Community and Support

  • sass:

    Sass (Dart Sass) has the largest community and most comprehensive support, with extensive documentation, tutorials, and resources available for developers.

  • node-sass:

    Node Sass has a dedicated user base, but as it relies on the deprecated LibSass, community support may dwindle over time. Users are encouraged to transition to Dart Sass for better support.

  • postcss-sass:

    PostCSS Sass benefits from the active PostCSS community, providing users with a wealth of plugins and resources. Support is strong, especially for those familiar with PostCSS.

  • gulp-sass:

    Gulp Sass is widely used within the Gulp community, with ample resources and documentation available. It is well-supported and regularly updated to keep pace with Gulp's development.

  • grunt-sass:

    Grunt Sass has a smaller community compared to Dart Sass, but it benefits from the larger Grunt ecosystem. Documentation is available, but support may be limited to Grunt-specific issues.

  • dart-sass:

    Dart Sass has a large and active community, with extensive documentation and support. It is the recommended implementation for Sass, ensuring that users have access to the latest resources and help.

How to Choose: sass vs node-sass vs postcss-sass vs gulp-sass vs grunt-sass vs dart-sass
  • sass:

    Choose Sass (Dart Sass) for a comprehensive solution that includes all the latest features of Sass with a focus on compatibility and performance. It is the most recommended option for new projects and provides a consistent experience across different environments.

  • node-sass:

    Use Node Sass if you need a fast, native binding for Node.js that compiles Sass to CSS. It is suitable for projects where performance is critical, but be aware that it may not support all the latest Sass features since it relies on LibSass, which is now deprecated.

  • postcss-sass:

    Select PostCSS Sass if you want to leverage PostCSS's powerful plugin ecosystem while using Sass syntax. This is ideal for projects that require advanced CSS transformations and optimizations, allowing you to combine Sass features with PostCSS capabilities.

  • gulp-sass:

    Opt for Gulp Sass if you prefer Gulp as your build tool and want a fast, streaming build process. Gulp Sass is designed for performance and can handle large projects efficiently, making it a good choice for modern web development workflows.

  • grunt-sass:

    Select Grunt Sass if you are already using Grunt as your task runner and need a straightforward way to integrate Sass compilation into your existing Grunt workflow. It allows for easy configuration and is suitable for projects that already leverage Grunt's ecosystem.

  • dart-sass:

    Choose Dart Sass if you want the latest features of Sass and prefer a pure JavaScript implementation that is actively maintained. It's the reference implementation and supports all Sass features, making it ideal for new projects.

Similar Npm Packages to sass

sass is a popular CSS preprocessor that extends the capabilities of CSS with features like variables, nested rules, mixins, and more. It allows developers to write more maintainable and organized stylesheets, making it easier to manage complex styles in large projects. While Sass is widely used, there are several alternatives that also offer unique features and benefits. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • less is a dynamic stylesheet language that extends CSS with features such as variables, mixins, and nested rules, similar to Sass. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for developers who want to enhance their CSS without a steep learning curve. Less compiles to standard CSS and can be integrated into various build systems, making it a flexible option for many projects.
  • postcss is a tool for transforming CSS with JavaScript plugins. Unlike traditional preprocessors, PostCSS allows developers to use a wide range of plugins to add features like variables, nesting, and autoprefixing. This modular approach gives developers the flexibility to customize their workflow according to their specific needs. PostCSS is particularly useful for teams that want to adopt modern CSS features while maintaining compatibility with older browsers.
  • stylus is another CSS preprocessor that offers a unique syntax and a variety of features, including variables, mixins, and functions. Stylus is known for its flexibility and minimalism, allowing developers to write CSS in a more concise and expressive way. It supports both an indented syntax and a traditional CSS-like syntax, catering to different developer preferences. Stylus is a good choice for those who appreciate a more expressive and less verbose way of writing styles.

To see how Sass compares with Less, PostCSS, and Stylus, check out the comparison: Comparing less vs postcss vs sass vs stylus.

Similar Npm Packages to node-sass

node-sass is a popular library that allows developers to compile Sass (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets) into CSS using Node.js. It provides a straightforward way to integrate Sass into your build process, enabling the use of features like variables, nesting, and mixins to create more maintainable and scalable stylesheets. However, there are several alternatives to node-sass that developers might consider:

  • dart-sass is the primary implementation of Sass, written in Dart. It is the most up-to-date version of Sass and includes all the latest features and improvements. Dart Sass is recommended for new projects as it is actively maintained and supports the latest Sass features, including modules. If you are looking for a future-proof solution with full support for the latest Sass capabilities, dart-sass is the way to go.

  • postcss-scss is a PostCSS parser that allows you to use SCSS syntax within the PostCSS ecosystem. While it does not compile SCSS to CSS on its own, it enables developers to leverage SCSS-like syntax while benefiting from the powerful PostCSS plugin ecosystem. If you are already using PostCSS and want to incorporate SCSS syntax, postcss-scss is a great choice.

  • sass is a package that provides the Dart Sass implementation for both the command line and JavaScript environments. It is the official Sass implementation and is recommended for developers who want to use the latest features of Sass without relying on the older LibSass (which node-sass is based on). If you want to ensure that you are using the most current version of Sass, the sass package is the best option.

  • scss is not a standalone package but rather a syntax extension of CSS that allows for more advanced styling capabilities. It is often used interchangeably with Sass, as SCSS is a superset of CSS that adds features like variables and nesting. If you are already familiar with CSS and want to enhance your stylesheets with additional features, SCSS is a natural choice.

For a detailed comparison of these packages, check out the link: Comparing dart-sass vs node-sass vs postcss-scss vs sass vs scss.

Similar Npm Packages to gulp-sass

gulp-sass is a popular Gulp plugin that allows developers to compile Sass (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets) into CSS. It integrates seamlessly with the Gulp build system, enabling a streamlined workflow for processing stylesheets. By using gulp-sass, developers can take advantage of Sass features such as nesting, variables, and mixins while benefiting from Gulp's task automation capabilities. This combination enhances productivity and helps maintain organized and efficient stylesheets in web development projects.

While gulp-sass is a great choice for those using Gulp, there are alternatives available for developers who prefer different build systems. One notable alternative is grunt-sass. This plugin serves a similar purpose but is designed for use with Grunt, another popular JavaScript task runner. Grunt provides a flexible and powerful way to automate repetitive tasks in web development, and grunt-sass allows developers to compile Sass files into CSS within that ecosystem. If your project is already using Grunt for task automation, integrating grunt-sass can be a natural choice.

For developers deciding between these two options, it’s essential to consider the build system already in use and the specific needs of the project. Both gulp-sass and grunt-sass provide robust solutions for compiling Sass, but the choice ultimately depends on the developer's familiarity with Gulp or Grunt and the overall project requirements.

To see how gulp-sass compares with grunt-sass, check out the comparison: Comparing gulp-sass vs grunt-sass.

Similar Npm Packages to grunt-sass

grunt-sass is a Grunt plugin that allows developers to compile Sass (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets) into CSS using the popular Grunt task runner. This package simplifies the process of integrating Sass into your build workflow, making it easier to manage stylesheets in large projects. While grunt-sass is a solid choice for those using Grunt, there are several alternatives available that cater to different build systems and preferences. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • gulp-sass is a Gulp plugin that enables Sass compilation in projects using the Gulp task runner. Similar to grunt-sass, it allows developers to automate the process of converting Sass files into CSS. Gulp's streaming capabilities make it efficient for handling large projects, and gulp-sass integrates seamlessly with other Gulp plugins, providing a flexible and powerful build system for front-end development. If you prefer Gulp over Grunt for your build process, gulp-sass is an excellent choice.

  • node-sass is a library that provides binding for Node.js to LibSass, which is a C++ implementation of the Sass language. It allows developers to compile Sass files directly in their Node.js applications without the need for a task runner like Grunt or Gulp. While node-sass can be used independently, it is often utilized in conjunction with other build tools or frameworks. If you are looking for a straightforward way to integrate Sass compilation into a Node.js application, node-sass is a suitable option.

  • sass is the official implementation of Sass, which has transitioned from LibSass to Dart Sass. It is the most up-to-date and actively maintained version of Sass, providing the latest features and improvements. The sass package can be used directly in Node.js applications or as part of a build process with task runners like Gulp or Grunt. If you want to ensure that you are using the latest and most feature-rich version of Sass, opting for the sass package is highly recommended.

To see how these packages compare, check out the comparison: Comparing grunt-sass vs gulp-sass vs node-sass vs sass.

Similar Npm Packages to dart-sass

dart-sass is the primary implementation of Sass, a popular CSS preprocessor that extends CSS with features like variables, nested rules, mixins, and more. Dart Sass is written in Dart and is the reference implementation of the Sass language, ensuring that it supports the latest features and specifications. It is designed to be fast, reliable, and compatible with the latest CSS standards. Dart Sass is the recommended choice for developers who want to leverage the full power of Sass in their projects.

While Dart Sass is a robust option, there are several alternatives available for integrating Sass into your build process:

  • grunt-sass is a Grunt plugin that allows you to compile Sass files into CSS using Dart Sass or Node Sass. If you are already using Grunt as your task runner, grunt-sass is a convenient way to incorporate Sass compilation into your workflow. It provides a straightforward configuration and can be easily integrated with other Grunt tasks.
  • gulp-sass is a Gulp plugin that enables Sass compilation using either Dart Sass or Node Sass. If you prefer using Gulp for your build process, gulp-sass offers a seamless way to compile Sass files while taking advantage of Gulp's streaming capabilities. This can lead to faster build times and a more efficient workflow.
  • node-sass is a library that provides binding for Node.js to LibSass, which is a C/C++ implementation of Sass. While it was widely used in the past, it is worth noting that Node Sass is now deprecated in favor of Dart Sass. However, some legacy projects may still rely on Node Sass for compatibility reasons.
  • postcss-sass is a PostCSS plugin that allows you to use Sass syntax within your PostCSS workflow. This can be useful if you want to leverage PostCSS's powerful plugin ecosystem while still using Sass features. It provides a way to integrate Sass into a modern CSS processing pipeline.
  • sass is the package name for Dart Sass when installed via npm. It is essentially the same as Dart Sass but is often referred to simply as "sass" in the npm ecosystem. This package is the go-to choice for developers looking to use the latest features of Sass in their projects.

To see how Dart Sass compares with its alternatives, check out the comparison: Comparing dart-sass vs grunt-sass vs gulp-sass vs node-sass vs postcss-sass vs sass.

README for sass

A pure JavaScript implementation of Sass. Sass makes CSS fun again.

Sass logo npm statistics GitHub actions build status
Appveyor build status

This package is a distribution of Dart Sass, compiled to pure JavaScript with no native code or external dependencies. It provides a command-line sass executable and a Node.js API.

Usage

You can install Sass globally using npm install -g sass which will provide access to the sass executable. You can also add it to your project using npm install --save-dev sass. This provides the executable as well as a library:

const sass = require('sass');

const result = sass.compile(scssFilename);

// OR

// Note that `compileAsync()` is substantially slower than `compile()`.
const result = await sass.compileAsync(scssFilename);

See the Sass website for full API documentation.

Legacy API

Dart Sass also supports an older JavaScript API that's fully compatible with Node Sass (with a few exceptions listed below), with support for both the render() and renderSync() functions. This API is considered deprecated and will be removed in Dart Sass 2.0.0, so it should be avoided in new projects.

Sass's support for the legacy JavaScript API has the following limitations:

  • Only the "expanded" and "compressed" values of outputStyle are supported.

  • Dart Sass doesn't support the precision option. Dart Sass defaults to a sufficiently high precision for all existing browsers, and making this customizable would make the code substantially less efficient.

  • Dart Sass doesn't support the sourceComments option. Source maps are the recommended way of locating the origin of generated selectors.

See Also

  • Dart Sass, from which this package is compiled, can be used either as a stand-alone executable or as a Dart library. Running Dart Sass on the Dart VM is substantially faster than running the pure JavaScript version, so this may be appropriate for performance-sensitive applications. The Dart API is also (currently) more user-friendly than the JavaScript API. See the Dart Sass README for details on how to use it.

  • Node Sass, which is a wrapper around LibSass, the C++ implementation of Sass. Node Sass supports the same API as this package and is also faster (although it's usually a little slower than Dart Sass). However, it requires a native library which may be difficult to install, and it's generally slower to add features and fix bugs.

Behavioral Differences from Ruby Sass

There are a few intentional behavioral differences between Dart Sass and Ruby Sass. These are generally places where Ruby Sass has an undesired behavior, and it's substantially easier to implement the correct behavior than it would be to implement compatible behavior. These should all have tracking bugs against Ruby Sass to update the reference behavior.

  1. @extend only accepts simple selectors, as does the second argument of selector-extend(). See issue 1599.

  2. Subject selectors are not supported. See issue 1126.

  3. Pseudo selector arguments are parsed as <declaration-value>s rather than having a more limited custom parsing. See issue 2120.

  4. The numeric precision is set to 10. See issue 1122.

  5. The indented syntax parser is more flexible: it doesn't require consistent indentation across the whole document. See issue 2176.

  6. Colors do not support channel-by-channel arithmetic. See issue 2144.

  7. Unitless numbers aren't == to unit numbers with the same value. In addition, map keys follow the same logic as ==-equality. See issue 1496.

  8. rgba() and hsla() alpha values with percentage units are interpreted as percentages. Other units are forbidden. See issue 1525.

  9. Too many variable arguments passed to a function is an error. See issue 1408.

  10. Allow @extend to reach outside a media query if there's an identical @extend defined outside that query. This isn't tracked explicitly, because it'll be irrelevant when issue 1050 is fixed.

  11. Some selector pseudos containing placeholder selectors will be compiled where they wouldn't be in Ruby Sass. This better matches the semantics of the selectors in question, and is more efficient. See issue 2228.

  12. The old-style :property value syntax is not supported in the indented syntax. See issue 2245.

  13. The reference combinator is not supported. See issue 303.

  14. Universal selector unification is symmetrical. See issue 2247.

  15. @extend doesn't produce an error if it matches but fails to unify. See issue 2250.

  16. Dart Sass currently only supports UTF-8 documents. We'd like to support more, but Dart currently doesn't support them. See dart-lang/sdk#11744, for example.

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