Why Does Node.js Throw a 'SyntaxError: Cannot use import statement outside a module' Error, and How Can I Fix It?

SyntaxError: Cannot use import statement outside a module

In Node.js, the "SyntaxError: Cannot use import statement outside a module" error commonly arises when attempting to use an import statement in a file that is not recognized as a module. This typically occurs due to a mismatch between the file type and the Node.js version or configuration.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Verify Node.js Version:
   Ensure that you have the latest version of Node.js installed. The minimum required version is 13.2.0.

2. Set Package.json Type Field (Option 1):
   In the nearest parent package.json file, add a "type" field with a value of "module" at the top level. This will instruct Node.js to treat all .js and .mjs files within the project as ES modules. Individual files can be specified as CommonJS by using the .cjs extension.

   // package.json
   {
     "type": "module"
   }

3. Use .mjs File Extension (Option 2):
   Explicitly name files that should be interpreted as ES modules by using the .mjs extension. This method allows individual files to be designated as ES modules while leaving other files as CommonJS. Files with the .js extension will be treated as CommonJS by default.

Once you have implemented one of these options, the import statement should be recognized and the error resolved.

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