[SOLVED]: Unexpected token 'export' error

The ‘Unexpected token export’ error occurs when Node.js tries to parse ES module syntax (export/import) in a CommonJS environment, or when the file isn’t recognized as an ES module.

How the Error Happens

❌ Error Scenario:

// ❌ This causes the error in CommonJS environment
export const myFunction = () => {}; // ❌ Unexpected token 'export'

✅ Quick Fix - Handle ES Module Syntax

Solution 1: Add Type Module to Package.json

// ✅ In package.json
{
  "name": "my-app",
  "type": "module",  // ✅ Enables ES module support
  "main": "index.js"
}

Solution 2: Use .mjs Extension

// ✅ Rename file to use .mjs extension
// myModule.mjs instead of myModule.js
export const myFunction = () => {
  return 'Hello from ES module';
};

Solution 3: Convert to CommonJS Syntax

// ❌ ES module syntax
// export const myFunction = () => {};

// ✅ CommonJS syntax (in CommonJS environment)
const myFunction = () => {
  return 'Hello from CommonJS';
};

module.exports = { myFunction };

Solution 4: Use Dynamic Import in CommonJS

// ✅ In CommonJS files, use dynamic import for ES modules
const { myExport } = await import('./es-module.mjs');