Understanding Variable Scope in SASS/SCSS

1. Introduction

This tutorial aims to explain the concept of variable scope in SASS/SCSS. We will be focusing on the difference between global and local variables.

By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to:
- Define and understand the concept of variable scope.
- Differentiate between global and local variables.
- Write and apply global and local variables in SASS/SCSS.

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of CSS.
• Familiarity with SASS/SCSS syntax.

2. Step-by-Step Guide

Variable scope is a fundamental concept in any programming language, and SASS/SCSS is no exception. In simple terms, the scope of a variable defines where that variable can be seen or accessed from within your code.

There are two types of variables in SASS/SCSS: global and local.

Global Variables

Global variables are declared outside of any selector or function and can be accessed anywhere in your stylesheet.

Local Variables

Local variables are declared inside a selector or function and can only be accessed within that block of code.

Best Practices

• Avoid using the same name for local and global variables to prevent confusion.
• It's generally safer to use local variables to avoid unintended side effects in other parts of your code.

3. Code Examples

Let's look at some examples to illustrate these concepts.

Example 1: Global Variable

$color: blue; // This is a global variable

body {
  background-color: $color; // Accessing the global variable
}

Here, $color is a global variable and can be accessed anywhere in your styles.

Example 2: Local Variable

body {
  $color: blue; // This is a local variable
  background-color: $color; // Accessing the local variable
}

In this example, $color is a local variable and can only be accessed within the body selector block.

4. Summary

In this tutorial, we've learned about the concept of variable scope in SASS/SCSS and how to define and apply global and local variables. We've also reviewed some best practices and explored some practical examples.

For further learning, you might want to explore more about SASS/SCSS functions and how they handle variables.

5. Practice Exercises

Here are some exercises to test your understanding.

Exercise 1:

Create a style using both global and local variables.

Exercise 2:

Modify a given style by changing the value of global and local variables.

Exercise 3:

Create a style where a local variable has the same name as a global variable. What happens?

Tips for Further Practice

Try to use the concepts learned in this tutorial in a small project to solidify your understanding. Experiment with different variable names and values, and observe how it affects your styles.