Understanding and Resolving common JavaScript Errors in 2026
As JavaScript continues to evolve as the dominant language of the web, developers frequently encounter errors that can halt progress and disrupt user experiences. Staying current wiht common error types and their solutions is crucial for efficient and reliable web application development.This article, published January 16, 2026, will explore prevalent javascript errors, providing insights into their causes and practical solutions.
The “require() of ES Module” Error
One of the most common errors developers face, notably when working with Node.js and modern JavaScript modules, is the “Error [ERR_REQUIRE_ESM]: require() of ES Module not supported” error [[1]]. This typically arises when attempting to use the conventional `require()` syntax to import an ES module.
Why it Happens
JavaScript has undergone a meaningful shift in module handling. CommonJS modules (using `require()`) were the standard for a long time, but ES modules (using `import` and `export`) are now the preferred approach. The error occurs because `require()` is not designed to work with ES modules.
How to Fix It
The solution depends on your project setup:
- Use `import` Syntax: The most straightforward fix is to replace `require()` with the `import` statement. For example, instead of
const fs = require('fs');, useimport fs from 'fs';. - configure Node.js: If you’re using Node.js, ensure your `package.json` file includes `”type”: “module”` to treat `.js` files as ES modules. Alternatively, use the `.mjs` file extension for ES modules.
- Transpilation: If you’re working with older codebases or need to support older environments, consider using a transpiler like Babel to convert ES modules to CommonJS.
Permission Denied Errors (EACCES)
Another frequent issue, especially on Unix-like systems (macOS, Linux), is the “Error: EACCES: permission denied” error [[3]].This indicates that the current user does not have the necessary permissions to access a file or directory, often within the `node_modules` folder.
Why it Happens
This error often occurs when npm packages are installed globally using `sudo` or a similar administrative privilege. This can change the ownership of the `node_modules` directory, preventing the current user from modifying it.
How to Fix It
The recommended solution is to use a Node version manager (NVM) to manage Node.js installations and avoid permission issues:
- Install NVM: Follow the instructions on the NVM GitHub repository to install NVM.
- Install Node.js with NVM: Use NVM to install a specific version of node.js (e.g.,
nvm install node). - Avoid `sudo npm install -g` : Never use `sudo` when installing global npm packages. NVM manages permissions correctly, eliminating the need for administrative privileges.
Compiler Errors (General)
While not a specific error message, encountering compiler errors during development is unavoidable. These errors can range from syntax errors to type mismatches. [[2]] highlights issues that can arise during compilation, often after upgrading development tools.
Why They Happen
Compiler errors can stem from various sources, including:
- Syntax Errors: Incorrectly written JavaScript code (e.g., missing semicolons, unmatched brackets).
- Type Errors: Attempting to perform operations on incompatible data types.
- Dependency Conflicts:
