As a developer, you may have encountered the following error message while working with plugins or presets in your project:
Error: Plugin/Preset files are not allowed to export objects, only functions
This error can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve, especially if you're not sure where to start. In this troubleshooting guide, we'll walk you through the steps to fix this error and get back to coding.
What Causes the 'Error: Plugin/Preset Files are Not Allowed to Export Objects, Only Functions'?
This error message typically occurs when you're using a plugin or preset that exports an object instead of a function. When webpack or babel encounters this type of file, it throws an error and stops the build process.
How to Fix the 'Error: Plugin/Preset Files are Not Allowed to Export Objects, Only Functions'
Follow these steps to fix the 'Error: Plugin/Preset Files are Not Allowed to Export Objects, Only Functions':
Identify the problematic plugin or preset by checking the error message in your build logs. Look for the file path and name of the file that's causing the error.
Check the code of the problematic plugin or preset file. Look for any exports that are not functions. For example, if you have an object export like this:
module.exports = {
foo: 'bar'
}
Change it to a function export like this:
module.exports = function () {
return {
foo: 'bar'
};
};
Save the modified plugin or preset file and re-run your build process. The error should be resolved, and your build should complete successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why am I getting the 'Error: Plugin/Preset Files are Not Allowed to Export Objects, Only Functions'?
This error occurs when you're using a plugin or preset that exports an object instead of a function.
Q2. How can I identify the problematic plugin or preset file?
Check the error message in your build logs. Look for the file path and name of the file that's causing the error.
Q3. What should I do if I can't modify the problematic plugin or preset file?
You may need to find an alternative plugin or preset that exports a function instead of an object.
Q4. Can I use this guide to fix other webpack or babel errors?
No, this guide is specifically for fixing the 'Error: Plugin/Preset Files are Not Allowed to Export Objects, Only Functions'. Other errors may have different causes and require different solutions.
Q5. How can I prevent this error from occurring in the future?
When creating and using plugins or presets, make sure to export functions instead of objects. Test your plugins and presets thoroughly before using them in a production environment.