Error [ERR_MODULE_NOT_FOUND]: Cannot find module
When working with Node.js, you might sometimes see this confusing error:
Error [ERR_MODULE_NOT_FOUND]: Cannot find module
✅ The Solution:
If you want to use import instead of require you need to add module part to your package.json.
To tell Node.js that you are using ES Modules syntax (import/export),
To tell Node.js that you are using ES Modules syntax (import/export),
just add this line to your package.json:
{ "type": "module" }
Because by default, Node.js looks for CommonJS files using require(), not import.
📦 The Problem: Node.js Module System
In Node.js, there are two types of modules:
- CommonJS (CJS) – uses require()
- ES Modules (ESM) – uses import
By default, Node.js assumes you are using CommonJS unless you tell it otherwise.