The Sass built-in map module: an introduction with code examples

Sass extends the capabilities of CSS by offering advanced features and functionalities, such as variables, mixins, functions, and more. 

Among these features, the built-in map module in Sass is one of the most powerful, as it provides a collection of tools for managing maps.

A map in Sass is a collection of key-value pairs, similar to a dictionary in programming. Maps provide a convenient way to store and retrieve data, making it easy to maintain and manage your stylesheet.

In this blog post, we will explore the SASS built-in map module and see how it can be used with code examples.

Creating a Map

A map in Sass can be created by using the map function and providing the key-value pairs within parentheses. Here's an example:

$colors: (
  "primary": #0074d9,
  "secondary": #7fdbff,
  "tertiary": #39cccc
);

In this example, the $colors map is created and contains three key-value pairs. The keys are strings, while the values can be any Sass data type, such as numbers, strings, or colors.

Accessing Values in a Map

Once a map has been created, the values can be accessed using the map-get function. The map-get function takes two arguments: the map and the key of the value you want to retrieve. Here's an example:

body {
  background-color: map-get($colors, "primary");
  color: map-get($colors, "secondary");
}

In this example, the map-get function is used to retrieve the values for the "primary" and "secondary" keys from the $colors map and apply them as the background-color and color, respectively, for the body element.

Modifying Values in a Map

In addition to retrieving values from a map, you can also modify the values. This can be done using the map-merge function, which allows you to merge two maps together. Here's an example:

 $new-colors: (
  "primary": #00FF00
);

$colors: map-merge($colors, $new-colors);

In this example, a new map $new-colors is created with a key-value pair for "primary". The map-merge function is then used to merge the $new-colors map into the $colors map, replacing the original value for the "primary" key.

Conclusion

The SASS built-in map module provides a powerful tool for working with maps in Sass. By using the functions provided, you can simplify and streamline your stylesheet, making it easier to maintain and manage. Whether you are a seasoned Sass user or just getting started, the built-in map module is an essential tool for any Sass developer.