GSS Compiler

0.8.2 verified Fri May 01 auth: no javascript abandoned

A compiler that parses GSS (Grid Style Sheets) rule strings into JSON AST format for execution by the GSS engine. Version 0.8.2 is the latest stable release; the project appears dormant with no recent releases or maintenance. GSS is a constraint-based layout system for the web, offering an alternative to CSS for complex layouts using constraint solving. The compiler outputs a JSON AST that the GSS engine uses to compute layout changes in the browser. This differentiates it from traditional CSS preprocessors by enabling real-time layout adjustments based on constraints.

Common errors

error Cannot find module 'gss-compiler' ↓

cause Package not installed or not in node_modules.

fix

Run npm install gss-compiler

error compile is not a function ↓

cause Incorrect import: using default import when the module exports an object with compile property.

fix

Use const compile = require('gss-compiler').compile;

error Unexpected token: ... in GSS ↓

cause GSS syntax error or unsupported feature.

fix

Check the GSS documentation for valid syntax. Ensure using a recent version of the compiler.

Warnings

deprecated The GSS project is no longer actively maintained. The compiler may have bugs and missing features. ↓

fix Consider using CSS Grid Layout or other modern layout solutions instead of GSS.

gotcha The package does not ship TypeScript type definitions. Usage in TypeScript projects requires custom type declarations. ↓

fix Create a .d.ts file: declare module 'gss-compiler' { export function compile(gss: string): any; }

gotcha CommonJS require is the only supported module format; ES module import may fail depending on bundler. ↓

fix Use require('gss-compiler').compile for compatibility.

Install

npm install gss-compiler

yarn add gss-compiler

pnpm add gss-compiler

Imports

compile
wrong
```
const compile = require('gss-compiler').compile;
```
correct
```
import { compile } from 'gss-compiler';
```
Package does not ship type definitions; may not work in strict ESM environments.
default
wrong
```
const compiler = require('gss-compiler');
```
correct
```
import compiler from 'gss-compiler';
```
The module has a default export? Check actual usage; the readme suggests using `require('gss-compiler').compile`.
compile
wrong
```
const { compile } = require('gss-compiler');
```
correct
```
const compile = require('gss-compiler').compile;
```
CommonJS require is typical for this older package. Destructuring may work but not guaranteed.

Quickstart

Demonstrates compiling a simple GSS rule string to JSON AST.

import { compile } from 'gss-compiler';

const gss = `
  #header {
    width: == 100%;
  }
  #sidebar {
    width: == 200px;
  }
  #content {
    width: == 100% - #sidebar[width];
  }
`;

const ast = compile(gss);
console.log(JSON.stringify(ast, null, 2));
// Outputs JSON AST that can be fed into GSS engine