Context

Node: Unable to Utilize Import Statements Outside of Modules

Context

When encountering the error message "Cannot use import statement outside a module" in Node js, it indicates that an import keyword was used incorrectly within a script. Node attempts to interpret the code as a module but encounters a syntax error due to the absence of a "module" declaration in the package.json file.

Explanation

In modern JavaScript, the import and export keywords are used to import and export code modules. These modules can be separate JavaScript files or libraries that contain specific functionality. To enable the use of import statements, the package.json file in your project must specify the "type": "module" property. This declaration informs Node that the project is a module and allows it to interpret the import correctly.

Example of a Correct package.json File:

``` { "name": "my-project", "version": "1.0.0", "type": "module", ... } ```

Resolving the Error

To resolve this error, ensure that the package.json file includes the correct "type" property. Additionally, the import statement should be placed within a module scope, such as a separate JavaScript file or a script block with the type="module" attribute.

Example of a Correct Import Statement:

``` // my-module.js export const myFunction = () => { console.log("Hello from my module!"); }; ``` ``` // main.js import { myFunction } from "./my-module.js"; myFunction(); ```