Modify alpha opacity of LESS variable

Question

Using LESS, I know that I can change the saturation or tint of a color variable. That looks like this:

background: lighten(@blue, 20%);

I want to change the alpha opacity of my color, though. Preferably like this:

background: alpha(@blue, 20%);

Is there a simple way to do this in LESS?

Answer 1

The site documentation gives the answer:

background: fade(@blue, 20%);

The function name is fade not alpha according to that document.

Answer 2

For completeness

fade

Set the absolute transparency of a color. Can be applied to colors whether they already have an opacity value or not.

background: fade(@blue, 20%);

fadein

Decrease the transparency (or increase the opacity) of a color, making it more opaque.

background: fadein(@blue, 80%);

fadeout

Increase the transparency (or decrease the opacity) of a color, making it less opaque. To fade in the other direction use fadein.

background: fadeout(@blue, 20%);

Source