How to resolve issue with moduleResolution property of tsconfig.json file in VSCode

How to Resolve Issue with moduleResolution Property of tsconfig.json File in VSCode

If you are a TypeScript developer using Visual Studio Code (VSCode) and facing issues with the moduleResolution property in your tsconfig.json file, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will explore the common problems related to the moduleResolution property and provide solutions to resolve them.

Understanding the moduleResolution Property

The moduleResolution property in the tsconfig.json file specifies how TypeScript resolves module imports. It has two possible values: "node" and "classic".

• "node": This option uses Node.js module resolution algorithm. It is recommended for projects using Node.js or targeting ECMAScript modules.
• "classic": This option uses the classic TypeScript module resolution algorithm. It is recommended for projects targeting non-module code.

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Error: Cannot find module ‘xyz’

If you are getting an error like Cannot find module 'xyz', it means TypeScript is unable to locate the module specified in your import statement. This issue can occur when the moduleResolution property is set incorrectly.
To resolve this issue, make sure you have set the moduleResolution property to "node" in your tsconfig.json file. Here’s an example:

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "moduleResolution": "node",
    // other options...
  },
  // other configurations...
}

2. Error: Cannot use import statement outside a module

If you are encountering an error like Cannot use import statement outside a module, it means TypeScript is treating your code as non-module code. This issue can occur when the moduleResolution property is set incorrectly.
To resolve this issue, ensure that you have set the moduleResolution property to "classic" in your tsconfig.json file. Here’s an example:

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "moduleResolution": "classic",
    // other options...
  },
  // other configurations...
}

Conclusion

The moduleResolution property in the tsconfig.json file plays a crucial role in resolving module imports correctly. By setting it to the appropriate value, either "node" or "classic", you can resolve common issues related to module resolution in VSCode.
Make sure to update your tsconfig.json file with the correct moduleResolution property value based on your project’s requirements.