Node.js Error: require of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” [Solved]

Node.js is a popular open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment for server-side scripting. It has a vast library of modules and packages that are readily available for use and can be easily imported into any project. However, sometimes developers face issues when importing certain modules, one such issue being the error “require of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch.”

This error is typically encountered when you’re trying to import a module written in ECMAScript (ES) modules syntax into a CommonJS environment, which Node.js is by default. This error can also be a result of other factors, such as using the wrong import statement or using an outdated version of Node.js.

In this article, we will discuss the error in detail and provide some solutions to fix it.

Understanding the Error

The “Error: require of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” occurs when you’re trying to import a module written in ECMAScript (ES) modules syntax into a CommonJS environment. This error occurs because ECMAScript modules are not supported in CommonJS environments by default.

What is Node-fetch?

Node-fetch is a popular npm package that is used to make HTTP requests in Node.js. It is a light-weight, minimalistic package that allows developers to make HTTP requests in a simple and straightforward manner. Node-fetch supports several important features such as handling request headers, managing redirects, and supporting both stream and callback-based APIs.

Causes of the “Error: require() of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” error:

Incorrect import statement: If you are using the require() function to import the node-fetch module, you might encounter the “Error: require() of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” error.

Outdated version of Node.js: If you are using an outdated version of Node.js, you might encounter the error. Node.js version 14 and later supports ES modules, so make sure you are using the latest version of Node.js.

Resolving the Error

There are several ways to resolve the “Error: require of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” error, depending on your use case. In this section, we’ll discuss a few of the most common solutions.

There are several solutions to this error, which we will discuss in detail below:

Option 1: Use a different HTTP request library

One option to solve this error is to use a different HTTP request library that is compatible with the ECMAScript module system. There are several popular libraries that you can use, such as Axios, SuperAgent, and got. By using a different library, you can avoid the “require of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” error.

Option 2: Use a different version of node-fetch

Another option is to use a different version of node-fetch. It has two different versions, one that uses CommonJS modules and one that uses ECMAScript modules. To solve the error, you can use the ECMAScript module version of node-fetch by using the following command:

npm install node-fetch@2.6.0

Option 3: Use a bundler like Webpack or Babel

If you are unable to use a different HTTP request library or a different version of node-fetch, you can use a bundler like Webpack or Babel. A bundler is a tool that allows you to compile and package your code into a format that is compatible with the ECMAScript module system. By using a bundler, you can avoid the “require of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” error.

Option 4: Using the –experimental-modules Flag

One way to resolve this error is by using the –experimental-modules flag when running your Node.js project. This flag enables ECMAScript modules support in Node.js, allowing you to import modules written in ECMAScript syntax. To use this flag, simply add it to the command you use to run your Node.js project, like so:

node –experimental-modules index.js

Option 5: Converting ECMAScript Modules to CommonJS Modules

Another way to resolve the error is by converting the ECMAScript module you’re trying to import into a CommonJS module. This can be done by adding module.exports at the end of your module file, like so:
// myModule.mjs
export const myFunction = () => {
console.log(“Hello, World!”);
};

module.exports = { myFunction };

Option 6: Using Babel to Transpile ECMAScript Modules

If you prefer to continue using ECMAScript modules, you can use Babel to transpile your code into a format that’s compatible with Node.js. To do this, you’ll need to install Babel and its modules preset, like so:

npm install @babel/cli @babel/preset-env

Next, you’ll need to create a .babelrc file in the root of your project, and configure it to use the ECMAScript modules preset, like so:

// .babelrc
{
“presets”: [“@babel/preset-env”]
}

Finally, you’ll need to use Babel to transpile your code into a format that’s compatible with Node.js, like so:

npx babel src –out-dir dist

You can then run your Node.js project using the transpiled code, like so:

node dist/index.js

Option 7: Update to the latest version of Node.js

If you are using an outdated version of Node.js, update to the latest version to ensure that you have the latest features and bug fixes.

FAQs:

Q. What is the “Error: require() of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” error?

A. The “Error: require() of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” error occurs when you try to import the node-fetch module in Node.js using the require() function.

Q. What are the causes of the “Error: require() of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” error?

A. The causes of the “Error: require() of ES modules is not supported when importing node-fetch” error are an incorrect import statement and an outdated version of Node.js.

Q. How can I resolve the “Error: require() of ES modules is not supported?

This error message occurs when you are using the CommonJS require() function to import an ECMAScript (ES) module in a Node.js environment.

To resolve this error, you can use one of the following solutions:

• Use the ECMAScript import statement instead of require() when importing ES modules.
• Use the –experimental-modules flag when starting your Node.js application to enable support for ES modules in it.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it is important to understand the causes and solutions to resolve errors in Node.js, as this can save time and effort in the development process.

Whether you choose to use a different HTTP request library, a different version of node-fetch, or a bundler like Webpack or Babel, you can easily fix this error and get back to developing your project.