Skip to content

How to fix "cannot use import statement outside a module"

New Course Coming Soon:

Get Really Good at Git

Here is how to fix the error Uncaught SyntaxError: cannot use import statement outside a module in JavaScript.

I stumbled on this error: Uncaught SyntaxError: cannot use import statement outside a module while importing a function from a JavaScript file.

This error occurs for one reason: you’re trying to use import and you’re not inside an ES module.

It can happen in a Node.js environment, or in the browser.

First, here’s the solution for Node.js: I had to add a package.json file in the folder of the project and add:

{
  "type": "module"
}

In the browser instead, you have to add the type attribute with the value module when you load the script, like this:

<script type="module" src="./file.js"></script>

instead of

<script src="./file.js"></script>
Are you intimidated by Git? Can’t figure out merge vs rebase? Are you afraid of screwing up something any time you have to do something in Git? Do you rely on ChatGPT or random people’s answer on StackOverflow to fix your problems? Your coworkers are tired of explaining Git to you all the time? Git is something we all need to use, but few of us really master it. I created this course to improve your Git (and GitHub) knowledge at a radical level. A course that helps you feel less frustrated with Git. Launching May 21, 2024. Join the waiting list!
→ Get my Node.js Handbook
→ Read my Node.js Tutorial on The Valley of Code

Here is how can I help you: