Resolving the export 'default' was not found Error in JavaScript and React

Learn how to fix the common export error in JavaScript and React when trying to use components by default. Understand export types and get your code running smoothly!
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This video is based on the question stackoverflow.com/q/75887730/ asked by the user 'Shashank gb' ( stackoverflow.com/u/21526857/ ) and on the answer stackoverflow.com/a/75887782/ provided by the user 'David' ( stackoverflow.com/u/328193/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Understanding the export 'default' was not found Error in JavaScript and React

When programming in JavaScript, particularly with React, encountering errors is a common occurrence. One frequent error message that developers stumble upon is: export 'default' (imported as 'Contact') was not found. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to achieve a specific functionality in your code. In this post, we will break down the problem and guide you through a solution to this error.

The Problem: A Closer Look at the Error

You might see this error when attempting to import a component from a file but failing to find the expected default export. For instance, with the following code snippet:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

When you try to import Contact using

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you might receive the error because Contact is not defined as a default export.

The Solution: Understanding Exports in JavaScript

To resolve this error, we need to clarify how to correctly define and import components in JavaScript. Here are two approaches you can take:

1. Use Named Exports

If you want to maintain the current structure using a named export, here’s how you can correctly import the Contact component:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Here, you are declaring that you will import a named export instead of a default one.

2. Use Default Exports

Alternatively, if you prefer using default exports for better clarity, you can redefine your component as follows:

Step 1: Change the Export

Update your previous code to set a default export at the end of your file:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

By doing this, you've correctly set Contact as a default export.

Step 2: Adjust the Import Statement

Then, import it as a default export with the following code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

By importing it this way, the name you use during import (Contact in this case) does not necessarily need to match the component name, but doing so can enhance code clarity and organization.

Conclusion

When working with JavaScript and React, understanding the nuances between named exports and default exports is crucial. The error message export 'default' was not found serves as a reminder to ensure that your import statements align correctly with your declared exports. By following the steps outlined above, you can resolve this error and continue building your application without interruptions. Armed with this knowledge, you'll boost your programming confidence and efficiency!