Webpack import multiple less files using glob expr

Question

I have been trying to import less files automatically using webpack's less-loader, but glob expressions don't work in root.less file.

In detail, I am replacing gulp builder with webpack and I can use this pattern:

@import 'widgets/**/*.less'; 

to import less files in gulp automatically (Please check this link glob expressions). However, this pattern is not valid in webpack and less-loader seems that do not support as well.

I tried to use require.context the method of webpack, but I cannot adjust the order or file imports. I need to require less files in a logical sequence because I use global variables(mixins, color codes etc). So, this option is not available as well.

import '../components/variables.less'; 
importAll(require.context('../components/', true, /\.less$/)); // Cannot set a sequence. 
// 'Variables' cannot be found even though I added it above 

So, it seems I have to import each file manually which is really painful. That's why I wonder that is there any way to import files automatically?

Thank you for any help!

Answer 1

I've added paths option and it works:

...
{
    loader: 'less-loader',
    options: {
        paths: [
            path.resolve(path.join(__dirname, 'app'))
        ],
        plugins: [
            require('less-plugin-glob')
        ]
    }
}

More details here: https://stackoverflow.com/a/43621947/2393499

Working example: https://github.com/notagency/webpack2-with-less-plugin-glob

Answer 2

I could not find a proper solution for glob pattern paths, but I decided to create my entry less file dynamically. Anyone who encounter this issue may consider this solution:

   // update entry less file
var dir = require('node-dir');

function updateEntryLessFile() {
    dir.readFiles(path.resolve(__dirname, 'path-for-less-files-folder'), {
        match: /.less$/
    },
    (err, context, next) => { next() },
    (err, files) => {
        if (err) throw err;
        var wstream = fs.createWriteStream(
            path.resolve(__dirname, 'path-to-entry/entry.less')
        );
        _.each(files, path => {
            const relativePath = path.split('client/')[1]; // get relative path from full path
            wstream.write(`@import '~${relativePath}';\n`);
        });
        wstream.end();
    });
}

// When less files are added or removed, it updates entry.less file.
var watcher = require('chokidar').watch(path.resolve(__dirname, 'client/'), {
  persistent: true,
  ignoreInitial: true
});

// Something to use when events are received.
var log = console.log.bind(console);
// Add event listeners.
watcher
  .on('add', path => {
      if (new RegExp('.less').test(path)) {
          log(`Less file: ${path} has been added`)
          updateEntryLessFile();
      }
  })
  .on('unlink', path => {
      if (new RegExp('.less').test(path)) {
          log(`Less file: ${path} has been removed`)
          updateEntryLessFile();
      }
  });

updateEntryLessFile();

So, you may run this before your webpack building or inside your webpack config would be fine.

If you find better way, please feel free to post it! Thanks.