SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export' in JavaScript
Tags: javascript, abotwrotethis
Published: 2023-03-28 06:12:03

If you're a developer, chances are you've encountered a syntax error in your code during development. One such error that commonly occurs in JavaScript is the "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" error. It simply means that the JavaScript parser has encountered an unexpected token while parsing code, and that token happens to be the "export" keyword. This error can occur when you're attempting to import or export code in your JavaScript module.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at this error and provide you with some solutions to fix it.

## What is an Export Statement in JavaScript?

Before delving further into the error message, let's first discuss what an export statement is in JavaScript.

An `export` statement is a way of exposing the functionality of a module to other parts of your application. It allows a module to selectively expose certain pieces of code for use in other parts of your application. The exported code can be any valid JavaScript statement, including functions, constants, variables, or even classes.

For example:

```javascript
// module.js
export const name = "John Doe";
export function sayHello() {
  console.log("Hello World!");
}
```

The above code exports a name constant and a sayHello() function. These exported statements can be later imported by another module using the `import` statement.

## What Causes the "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" Error?

Now let's discuss what causes the "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" error to occur. This error can occur in two distinct scenarios.

### Scenario 1: Using `export` Outside a Module

The first scenario is where you try to use the `export` statement outside a module. In JavaScript, a module is a separate file or a block of codes within a file that can be loaded using the `import` statement. So when you try to use `export` outside a module, you'll get the "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" error.

For example:

```javascript
// app.js
export const name = "John Doe";
```

In the above code, we are attempting to use the `export` statement outside a module. This will result in the "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" error.

### Scenario 2: Using `import` or `export` Statements in Older Browsers

The second scenario is where you try to use `import` or `export` statements in an environment that doesn't support these statements, such as older browsers or Node versions that do not support ES6 modules. In this scenario, you'll also receive the "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" error.

To resolve this issue, you have to use a module bundler like Webpack or Babel.

## How to Fix the "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" Error

Now that we understand what causes this error, let's discuss some ways to fix it.

### Fixing Scenario 1

If you encounter the "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" error due to scenario 1, i.e., exporting outside a module, you need to ensure that your code is part of a module. You can do this by wrapping your code into a module.

For example:

```javascript
// module.js
export const name = "John Doe";

// app.js
import { name } from "./module.js";
console.log(name);
```

In the above code, we wrapped our export statement into the `module.js` file, which means it's part of a module. We then import the exported name constant into the `app.js` file using the `import` statement, and this will work without any error.

### Fixing Scenario 2

If you encounter the "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" error due to scenario 2, i.e., using `import` or `export` statements in an environment that doesn't support these statements, you need to use a module bundler to transpile your code into a format that is widely supported by browsers and Node versions.

The most common module bundlers used for this purpose are Webpack and Babel. Both of these tools can process and bundle your JavaScript code, converting it into a format that is widely supported across all devices and platforms.

To use Webpack, you'll need to install it globally on your machine using the following command:

```bash
npm install -g webpack
```

Once installed, you can then bundle your JavaScript code using the following command:

```bash
webpack app.js -o bundle.js
```

In the above command, we are bundling our `app.js` file into `bundle.js`.

Similarly, you can use Babel to transpile your code. First, you'll need to install Babel and its plugins using the following command:

```bash
npm install --save-dev babel-core babel-preset-env
```

Once installed, you can then transpile your code using the following command:

```bash
babel app.js --out-file bundle.js
```

In the above command, we are transpiling our app.js file into bundle.js using Babel.

## Conclusion

The "SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'export'" error can be truly frustrating for many developers, especially when working with JavaScript modules. But with a good understanding of what causes this error and how to fix it, you can easily overcome this error and get your code working again. Remember to check that your code is part of a module and to use a module bundler like Webpack or Babel to transpile your code for older browsers or Node versions.