Evaluated Less Variables

[bjtomlin]

I need to know the final values of a set of less variables after the less files have been parsed. For example:

variable.less contains:
@primary = #333333;
@secondary = lighten(@primary, 40%);
@accent = darken(@secondary, 10%);

I want to know the calculated values of secondary and accent. I don't need to use them in css but instead need to save them elsewhere.

Is this possible?

Also is it possible to know that secondary is based on primary?

[seven-phases-max]

Please use backticks to format you code.
Additionally note that normally GitHub issue trackers are for bug/issue-reports/feature-requests and not for asking generic "How-Do-I?" questions (and this issue tracker is not an exception). Consider using an SO for example to ask a generic Less usage questions.

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Either way:

I want to know the calculated values

Depends on what you mean by "know". For example in a simple case you can just compile something like:

whatever {
    secondary-value: @secondary;
    accent-value:    @accent;
}

and look at the output.

I don't need to use them in css but instead need to save them elsewhere.

Then are you sure Less is what you need actually? (maybe you're just looking for some generic color processing tool/library?)
Either way, the short answer would be "no", currently Less compiler is for generating CSS output and only CSS-output. Though see #2231, #2597 etc. for advanced tips and tricks (I.e. there is way to do that programmatically but it may be too complex for your actual needs).

[seven-phases-max]

Closing as duplicate of #2597.