How to integrate GruntJS with Netbeans 7.3?

Question

How do I integrate Grunt into Netbeans 7.3, or alternatively allow Netbeans define some external script/program to exec as part of a build.

This is so I can setup Netbeans to compile Less into CSS automatically.

Answer 1

You don't have to change anything in Netbeans.

You should only use the Grunt to compile LESS into CSS, minify your scripts, etc.

Grunt will run in the background and will compile your LESS files into CSS files whenever you make any changes in this files.

1. Install Node.js (Grunt is running on node.js) https://nodejs.org/en/download/package-manager/

2. Install Grunt http://gruntjs.com/getting-started

3. On grunt webpage go to plugins subpage and install:

   • grunt-contrib-watch

   • grunt-contrib-less

On each plugins subpage you have exact instructions how to set them up.