Mastering LayerCSS: Writing a Valid .lyc File

LayerCSS introduces a structured way to manage styles with layers, variables, and advanced features like mixins and inheritance. To write a valid .lyc file, you must follow specific syntax rules to ensure correct processing by the compiler or preprocessor.

This guide outlines the core rules and best practices for writing .lyc files.

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1. General Structure

• A .lyc file follows a structured hierarchy with:

  • Global variables.

  • CSS rules.

  • Special directives (@layer, @mixin, @include, @extend).

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2. Comments

LayerCSS supports JavaScript and CSS-style comments:

• Single-line comments: // This is a comment

• Multi-line comments:

/* This is a 
   multi-line comment */

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3. Global Variables

Global variables help maintain consistency and can be used throughout the stylesheet.

Syntax:

--primary-color: #FF69B4;
--font-size: 16px;

Use var(--variable-name) to reference them:

body {
    background: var(--primary-color);
    font-size: var(--font-size);
}

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**4. Layer Blocks (@layer)

Layer blocks organize styles into logical sections.

Syntax:

@layer base {
    body {
        background: var(--primary-color);
    }
}

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5. CSS Rules

LayerCSS follows standard CSS syntax:

div {
    color: blue;
}

Supports variable usage:

div {
    color: var(--primary-color);
}

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6. Nested Selectors

Selectors can be nested for better readability and structure.

div {
    color: blue;

    span {
        color: red;
    }
}

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7. Special Directives

a) @mixin (Reusable Code Blocks)

@mixin button-style {
    border: none;
    padding: 10px;
}

b) @include (Applying Mixins)

.button {
    @include button-style;
    background: var(--primary-color);
}

c) @extend (Inheritance)

.alert-button {
    @extend .button;
    color: white;
}

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8. Syntax Validation

Ensure all blocks are balanced with {}:

❌ Incorrect:

@layer base 
    body {
        background: var(--primary-color);
    }

✅ Correct:

@layer base {
    body {
        background: var(--primary-color);
    }
}

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9. Invalid Characters

• Non-printable or invalid characters are removed during preprocessing.

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10. Full Example of a Valid .lyc File

--primary-color: #FF69B4;
--font-size: 16px;

@layer base {
    body {
        background: var(--primary-color);
        font-size: var(--font-size);
    }

    div {
        color: blue;

        span {
            color: red;
        }
    }
}

@mixin button-style {
    border: none;
    padding: 10px;
}

.button {
    @include button-style;
    background: var(--primary-color);
}

.alert-button {
    @extend .button;
    color: white;
}

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Conclusion

By following these rules, you can write structured and maintainable .lyc files that integrate seamlessly with LayerCSS's preprocessor and compiler. Start experimenting today and elevate your CSS workflow with LayerCSS! 🚀

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