Incorrect import/export – export ‘default’ (imported as ‘X’) was not found

The error “export ‘default’ (imported as ‘X’) was not found” typically occurs when you’re trying to import a default export from a module that either doesn’t have a default export, or you might be using the wrong import syntax.

This issue usually arises due to mismatched import/export syntax or misunderstandings of how default exports work in JavaScript (ES6). Here’s how to resolve this issue:

Steps to Resolve “export ‘default’ (imported as ‘X’) was not found”:

1. Verify the Export in the Source File

Ensure that the file you’re trying to import from actually has a default export. For example, if you’re trying to import something like this:

import X from './someFile';

The file './someFile' should have a default export, like this:

// Correct: Default export
export default X;

If the file is exporting named exports instead of a default export, you should import it like this:

import { X } from './someFile';

2. Check Named and Default Exports

Ensure that you’re using the correct type of export and import. In JavaScript ES6:

• Default export: // Exporting a default value export default X; You can import it as: import X from './someFile';
• Named export: // Named export export { X }; You import it like: import { X } from './someFile';

Important: You cannot use the default import syntax (import X from './someFile') for named exports.

3. Check the Module Path

Ensure that the path to the module you’re importing from is correct. If the path is incorrect, Webpack or your bundler may not be able to find the file, leading to the import error.

4. Verify the File Extensions

If you’re using custom file extensions like .ts or .jsx, ensure that the appropriate configuration (like in Webpack or your bundler) is in place to resolve these extensions. For example:

• For TypeScript files: import { X } from './someFile.ts';

Make sure that your resolve configuration in Webpack includes the correct extensions:

resolve: {
  extensions: ['.js', '.jsx', '.ts', '.tsx'],
},

5. Check for Circular Dependencies

Circular dependencies (when two files depend on each other) can also cause issues with imports/exports. Make sure there are no circular dependencies in your project, as they can lead to unexpected import/export behavior.

6. Restart the Development Server

Sometimes the issue could be due to caching or incomplete builds. After making the necessary changes to your imports or exports, restart your development server:

npm start

or

yarn start

7. Check the Build Tool (Webpack, Babel, etc.)

If you’re using build tools like Webpack, make sure they are configured correctly to handle ES6 modules. If you’re using Babel, ensure your Babel configuration includes the necessary plugins/presets for transpiling ES6 module syntax.

Example .babelrc configuration:

{
  "presets": ["@babel/preset-env", "@babel/preset-react"]
}

8. Verify Version Compatibility

Ensure that your JavaScript environment (Node.js, browser, or bundler) supports ES6 module syntax. Some older environments might have issues with ES6 imports and exports, so make sure you’re running the latest version of Node.js or the necessary transpilation tools (like Babel).

---

Example: Correcting the Import/Export Issue

If you’re exporting with a default export:

File: someFile.js

const X = () => {
  // some code
};

export default X;  // Default export

Then import it like this:

import X from './someFile';  // Default import

If you’re using named exports:

File: someFile.js

export const X = () => {
  // some code
};

Then import it like this:

import { X } from './someFile';  // Named import

---