Sass Interpolation

Posted in Sass Tutorial

Updated on Sep 29, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 22 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

Interpolation in Sass is a powerful feature that allows you to dynamically insert values into strings, selectors, and other properties.

It enables more flexible and reusable code, making it possible to create complex styles and patterns by combining variables, calculations, and other expressions.

💡 Syntax

Interpolation is achieved using #{} within a string or other property. This syntax allows you to include the result of an expression or variable within a string or selector.

Syntax

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#{expression}

🔢 Parameters

expression: The value or expression to be interpolated.

📝 Example Usage

Interpolation can be used to combine variables or expressions with Strings, Selectors and Property Names. This is useful for creating dynamic values.

📜 Example 1: Basic String Interpolation

example.scss

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$color: blue;
.button {
  background-color: #{$color}; // Result: background-color: blue;
}

In this example, the value of $color is inserted into the background-color property.

📜 Example 2: Dynamic Class Names

example.scss

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$size: large;
.btn-#{$size} {
  font-size: 16px;
}

Here, the class name btn-large is created dynamically based on the value of $size.

📜 Example 3: Dynamic Selectors

Interpolation can also be used to dynamically generate selectors.

example.scss

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$state: active;
.menu-#{$state} {
  color: green;
}

This generates the selector .menu-active with the specified color.

📜 Example 4: Nested Selectors

example.scss

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$prefix: "nav-";
.navbar {
  .#{$prefix}item {
    padding: 10px;
  }
}

The nested selector .nav-item is created using interpolation.

📜 Example 5: Dynamic Property Names

Interpolation can be used to create dynamic property names.

example.scss

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$property: "border";
$width: 1px;

.element {
  #{$property}-width: $width; // Result: border-width: 1px;
}

Here, the property name border-width is generated dynamically.

⚠️ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting Interpolation in Selectors:

Make sure to use interpolation when needed. Omitting it can result in unexpected behavior.
sass
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```
// Incorrect
.menu-$state {
  color: red;
}

// Correct
.menu-#{$state} {
  color: red;
}
```
Overusing Interpolation:

While interpolation is powerful, overusing it can make your code harder to read and maintain. Use it judiciously to maintain clarity.

🎉 Conclusion

Sass interpolation is a valuable feature that enhances the flexibility and power of your stylesheets. By using #{} to insert variables, expressions, and dynamic values into strings, selectors, and property names, you can create more versatile and maintainable code.

Mastering interpolation will enable you to write cleaner and more dynamic Sass code, allowing for greater customization and control over your styling. Experiment with different uses of interpolation to see how it can best serve your project needs.