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FSCSS @random method Guide

FSCSS @random Method

The @random method in FSCSS (Figured Shorthand Cascading Style Sheet) provides a robust mechanism for applying randomized values to CSS properties, enabling dynamic and varied styling that refreshes on each page load. By selecting a single value from a provided array (e.g., colors, numbers, or units) at render time, @random facilitates the creation of visually diverse UI elements without requiring JavaScript or manual intervention.

When used in conjunction with the @arr FSCSS array utility, @random streamlines the process of defining and reusing arrays of values, enhancing code efficiency and maintainability. This combination allows developers to manage randomized styles with precision and minimal effort.

syntax:

@random([values, separated, with, comma])
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example in background:

background: @random([red, blue, green, brown]);
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Below is an example of FSCSS code leveraging @random and @arr:

@arr(colors[ @random([#00FF00, #FFFF00, #FFFFFF, #87CEEB]), @random([#FF0055, #990099, #5500FF])])
.btn {
  padding: 10px 20px;
  margin: 10px;
  background: @arr.colors[1];
  color: @arr.colors[2];
  border: 2px groove @arr.colors[2];
  display: inline-block;
  transform: translate(@random([10, 30, 40, 60])px);
  rotate: @random([0, 15, 90, 180])deg;
}
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In this example, @random dynamically selects values for background, color, border, transform, and rotate properties from specified arrays. Each page load results in a unique combination of styles for the .btn element, such as varied colors, positions, and rotations.

Key Features

  • Dynamic Randomization: Selects a random value from an array for a given property, ensuring unique styling on each render.
  • Array Integration with @arr: Simplifies array definition and reuse, allowing developers to reference values (e.g., @arr.colors[0]) across multiple properties.
  • No JavaScript Required: Achieves randomization natively within FSCSS, reducing dependency on external scripts.
  • Flexible Application: Supports various CSS property types, including colors, numerical values, and units (e.g., px, deg).
  • Efficient Workflow: Enables rapid prototyping and experimentation with minimal code.

Benefits

  • Enhanced Maintainability: Centralized array definitions via @arr reduce redundancy and improve code organization.
  • Scalable Styling: Ideal for creating dynamic interfaces, such as randomized button styles, card layouts, or subtle animation variations.
  • Developer Efficiency: Simplifies the implementation of complex, randomized designs without requiring advanced scripting knowledge.

Use Cases

  • Generating varied UI components (e.g., buttons, cards) with randomized colors, borders, or transforms for engaging interfaces.
  • Prototyping design variations to explore stylistic combinations efficiently.
  • Adding subtle randomness to layouts or animations for a polished, dynamic user experience.

Why It’s Developer-Friendly

The @random method, paired with @arr, abstracts the complexity of randomization, allowing developers to focus on design outcomes rather than implementation details. By embedding randomization logic directly in FSCSS, it eliminates the need for external scripts, offering a clean, declarative syntax that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows.

In summary, the @random method, enhanced by @arr, empowers developers to create dynamic, maintainable, and visually engaging web interfaces with minimal effort, leveraging FSCSS’s concise and powerful syntax.

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