Learn how to tackle ESLint errors related to import and export statements in your JavaScript code, ensuring a smooth coding experience and adhering to best practices.
Table of Contents
Understanding the ESLint Error
In modern JavaScript development, import and export statements play a crucial role in organizing and modularizing code. However, you may have encountered an ESLint error stating, “‘import’ and ‘export’ may only appear at the top level.” This error occurs when ESLint enforces the ECMAScript specification, which requires import and export declarations to be placed at the top level of your code.
Deactivating the ESLint Error
If you’d like to disable this ESLint error, there are several approaches you can take:
Using babel-eslint Parser
The babel-eslint parser allows you to use experimental language features not yet supported by ESLint. To disable the ESLint error with the babel-eslint parser, update your ESLint configuration file with the following settings:
{
"parser": "babel-eslint",
"parserOptions": {
"sourceType": "module",
"allowImportExportEverywhere": true
}
}
For more information, refer to the babel-eslint documentation.
Modifying Parser Options
Another option is to adjust your ESLint configuration’s parser options. Update the “parserOptions” section in your configuration file with the following settings:
"parserOptions": {
"ecmaVersion": 6,
"sourceType": "module"
}
Alternative Solutions
If you’d rather not disable the ESLint error, you can explore alternative solutions:
- Ensure that import and export declarations are placed at the top level of your code, as required by the ECMAScript specification.
- Consider using dynamic imports, which are supported in ESLint 6.2 and later. To enable dynamic imports, update the “parserOptions” section in your configuration file with the following setting:
"ecmaVersion": 11.
Final Thoughts
Although disabling the “‘import’ and ‘export’ may only appear at the top level” ESLint error can be helpful in certain situations, it’s important to remember that adhering to the ECMAScript specification and best practices.
