Why Am I Getting a 'SyntaxError: Unexpected token import' in My Node.js Code?

Unexpected Import Token in Node.js: Understanding the SyntaxError

Issue Encountered:

Users may encounter the following error when using the import syntax in Node.js:

SyntaxError: Unexpected token import

This error indicates that the import statement, a feature of ECMAScript modules, is not supported by the current Node.js version.

Understanding Module Support in Node.js:

To understand this error, it's crucial to know that module support in Node.js has evolved over time. Prior to Node 13, the import statement was not supported. Instead, the require() function is used for module loading.

Resolution:

To resolve the SyntaxError, users must adapt their code to the version of Node.js they are using:

• Node 13 : Modules are now enabled by default. Use either the .mjs extension or set "type": "module" in package.json.
• Node 12: Modules require the --experimental-modules flag and .mjs extension.
• Node 9 and Earlier: Modules are not supported. Use require() for module loading.

Alternative Approach:

For those who wish to leverage ES6/7 features in Node.js before native support, Babel can be used to compile code into a format compatible with earlier Node versions.

Conclusion:

The import statement is a valuable feature in modern JavaScript, and its support in Node.js has been a continuous area of improvement. By understanding the varying levels of module support across Node.js versions, developers can effectively avoid the "Unexpected token import" error and maintain compatibility with their desired Node environment.

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