Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!
Compass vs Prepros: What are the differences?
Introduction
In this comparison, we will highlight the key differences between Compass and Prepros, two popular tools used in web development for managing and compiling Sass files.
Supported Platforms: Compass is mainly designed to work with Ruby and is supported on platforms like Mac, Linux, and Windows; whereas Prepros is a standalone application available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, making it more versatile in terms of compatibility with different operating systems.
User Interface: Compass relies on the command line interface for compiling Sass files, which can be intimidating for beginners and developers who prefer a graphical user interface. Prepros, on the other hand, offers a user-friendly GUI that simplifies the process of managing and compiling Sass files.
Live Browser Refresh: Prepros comes with a built-in feature that allows for live browser refresh, making it easier for developers to see instant changes reflected in the browser without manually refreshing the page. Compass lacks this feature and requires other tools or manual processes for live reloading.
Dependency Management: Compass has a dependency on Ruby and requires the installation of Ruby and the Compass gem to work properly, which could be seen as an extra step for some developers. Prepros, being a standalone application, does not have any external dependencies, streamlining the setup process.
Cost: Compass is an open-source project and is free to use, making it a cost-effective option for developers. In contrast, Prepros offers a free version with limited features and a premium version that unlocks additional functionalities, which may require a purchase for full access.
Code Minification: Prepros includes the ability to minify CSS and JavaScript files, optimizing them for production environments. While Compass is primarily focused on Sass compilation, it does not offer built-in tools for code minification, requiring developers to use additional tools for this purpose.
In Summary, Compass and Prepros differ in terms of supported platforms, user interface, live browser refresh, dependency management, cost, and code minification capabilities.
Pros of Compass
- No vendor prefix CSS pain9
- Mixins1
- Variables1
- Compass sprites1
Pros of Prepros
- Easy to use4
- Beautiful GUI4
- Easy to configure4
- FTP upload3
- Freemium2
- Live reload2
- Any editor OK2