introduction
If you’ve used JavaScript, you’ve probably come across this term. export default
And I wondered what it was and how it worked. This Byte of his is aimed at developers who want to understand the basics of JavaScript and deepen their knowledge of the language’s intricacies. Let’s take a closer look at JavaScript modules and their concepts. export default
. Eventually, you’ll have a better understanding of when and how to use it. export default
to your code.
Understand JavaScript modules
JavaScript modules are self-contained code that can be exported and imported into other JavaScript files. They help keep your code organized, maintainable, and reusable. JavaScript modules were introduced in his ES6 and have been at the core of modern JavaScript development ever since.
Consider the following example.
// mathFunctions.js
const add = (a, b) => a + b;
const subtract = (a, b) => a - b;
export add, subtract ;
In the above code there is a module named. mathFunctions.js
This exports two functions. add
and subtract
.
// app.js
import add, subtract from './mathFunctions.js';
console.log(add(2, 3)); // Output: 5
console.log(subtract(5, 2)); // Output: 3
in app.js
import. add
and subtract
function from mathFunctions.js
Please use as necessary.
What are “export defaults”?
export default
Syntax used in JavaScript modules to export a single entity (function, object, variable). Default Export from module.
Consider the following example.
// greeting.js
const greeting = 'Hello, StackAbuse readers!';
export default greeting;
In the above code there is a module named. greeting.js
export a single string greeting
as the default export.
// app.js
import greeting from './greeting.js';
console.log(greeting); // Output: Hello, StackAbuse readers!
in app.js
Import the default export from . greeting.js
Please use as necessary. Notice that I don’t use curly braces Import the default export. this is the purpose
default
keyword.
This is similar to the method you use exports.greeting = ...
versus module.exports = ...
At the node.
Note: A module can have only one default export, but it can have multiple named exports.
When and how to use Default Export
export default
Typically used when a module has only one thing to export. This can be a function, class, object, or anything else that is the main focus of the module.
Consider the case where we have a module that exports a single function.
// sayHello.js
const sayHello = name => `Hello, $name!`;
export default sayHello;
And import it into another module.
// app.js
import sayHello from './sayHello.js';
console.log(sayHello('StackAbuse readers')); // Output: Hello, StackAbuse readers!
In this case, it makes sense to use the “default export”. sayHello
teeth, sayHello.js
Modules are exported, so you don’t need to use structured assignment to access functions.
Remember whether to use export default
or named exports, it really depends on how you want to structure your code. Both have their uses, and understanding when to use each is key to mastering JavaScript modules.
Common errors regarding “default export”
So what are some common pitfalls and errors you might come across? Here’s a little bit about possible mistakes. Depending on your JS experience level, you may encounter one or more of the following issues:
One common mistake is to export default
Multiple times within the same module. Remember, export default
Refers to a single value, such as a function, object, or variable.
// Incorrect usage!
export default let name = "John";
export default let age = 25;
Another common mistake is the use of curly braces. Use “Default Export”. This is unnecessary and will result in a syntax error.
// Incorrect usage!
import myFunction from './myModule.js';
Note: The above syntax is used for named exports, not default exports.
Fixing “default export” error
Now that we’ve looked at some common pitfalls, let’s talk about how to fix them.
If you are trying to export multiple values from a module using export default
consider combining them to create objects.
// Correct usage
let name = "John";
let age = 25;
export default name, age ;
Regarding the second error, remember the following: export default
No curly braces are needed. The correct way to import the default export is:
// Correct usage
import myFunction from './myModule.js';
named export
meanwhile export default
is a useful tool, but it is not the only way to export values from a JavaScript module. Named exports are a good alternative, especially when exporting multiple values.
In contrast to default exports, named exports allow you to export multiple values. Each of these exports is syntax.
// Named exports
export const name = "John";
export const age = 25;
And you can import it like this:
// Importing named exports
import name, age from './myModule.js';
Note: you can use both export default
Named exports within the same module.However, a module can only contain one default
.
conclusion
In this byte, export default
You reviewed JavaScript statements, investigated some common errors, and learned how to fix them. We also discussed named exports, a similar but different concept. The more you understand, the fewer export/import problems you will have in your JS code.