First identify which process is parsing the file: Node.js, a build tool or loader, or the browser. The same “unexpected token” message can have different causes at each boundary, so there is no reliable one-line fix without the exact error, file, versions, and target runtime.
Start by locating the parser
Record the full error and stack trace, the file and line it names, the command that failed, the active Node.js version, relevant build-tool and loader versions, recent lockfile changes, and the environment where the code must run. Then use the failure location to narrow the search.
- Direct Node execution: If the command runs a file with
nodeand the trace points into that file, investigate Node’s syntax support and how it classifies the file as CommonJS or ECMAScript modules (ESM). See Node.js package and module documentation. - Build or loader failure: If a bundler, compiler, or loader reports the error, inspect that tool’s parser and transform pipeline. Confirm the failing file is actually included in the transform rule and that the parser accepts its syntax or file type.
- Browser developer-tools failure: If the build succeeds but the browser reports a syntax error, inspect the emitted bundle at the indicated location and compare its syntax with the browser versions you support. A build’s development and production targets may differ.
This distinction matters because Node module classification, build transforms, and browser compatibility are separate concerns. A setting in one layer does not necessarily change what another layer can parse.
Check module format when Node is the parser
Node supports both CommonJS and ESM. Check the file extension and the nearest controlling package.json to see which format Node should use. Explicit markers avoid relying on ambiguous classification:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Use
.mjsor set"type": "module"in the relevantpackage.jsonwhen the file is intended to be ESM. - Use
.cjsor set"type": "commonjs"when the file is intended to be CommonJS.
Current Node documentation also describes syntax detection for some inputs without explicit markers. That behavior has changed across Node releases, so make the intended format explicit rather than assuming an ambiguous file will be interpreted the same way after an upgrade. See Node.js module-system documentation.
Pay particular attention to configuration files and scripts: their extension and package scope may not match the format used by application source. Do not change module syntax indiscriminately; first confirm which format the failing file is meant to use and what its loader expects.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check whether unsupported syntax survives the build
Find the exact syntax at the reported location—such as a newer language construct—and determine which runtime must parse the output. Configure the source transpiler for that runtime, then verify the emitted code rather than assuming a build setting transformed it.
Node deployment target
Set a precise Node target in the transpiler when output must run on a particular Node release. Babel notes that supported features can vary between Node minor versions, so targeting only a broad major line may not match the deployment environment. See Babel’s preset-env documentation.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Browser production target
Vite’s development server uses esnext by default, while production output targets can be configured. Compare the production target with the browsers you actually support; do not infer production compatibility from code that works in development. Vite also distinguishes syntax transforms from polyfills: transforming syntax does not automatically provide missing runtime APIs. See Vite’s browser compatibility guidance.
Webpack runtime target versus application source
Webpack’s target controls code generated for webpack’s runtime; it does not automatically transpile application source. If source syntax needs conversion, configure a transpiler such as Babel for the relevant files. See Webpack’s target documentation.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Check compatibility after upgrading a tool or plugin
Confirm that the installed tool and its plugins support the Node version used to run the build, and that their module-format requirements match the project configuration. Read the migration guidance for the versions you actually installed instead of treating every new syntax error as invalid application code.
For example, Babel 8 documents Node runtime requirements and an ESM-only distribution. A project may therefore need to adjust the Node version used for its build or the way its configuration loads. Vite also publishes version-specific migration and troubleshooting guidance. Consult Babel’s 8.x migration guide and Vite’s migration guide.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Node behavior can also change between releases. Historical examples include experimental JSON import assertions in Node 16.14 and require(esm) being enabled by default on the Node 22.12 v22 line while still described as experimental. These release-specific changes are reasons to check the documentation for your actual version, not instructions to rewrite every project. See the Node 16.14 release notes and Node 22.12 release notes.
Rebuild and verify the actual failing file
- Make one targeted change based on the parser identified in the trace: module marker, transpiler target, loader rule, or compatible tool/runtime version.
- Rebuild using the same command and environment that produced the failure. If the trace or output indicates stale artifacts, clear only the relevant build cache; there is no universal need to delete all dependencies or caches.
- Inspect the emitted code at the failing location and confirm that its syntax and module format are accepted by the intended runtime.
- Run the result in the production-like environment as well as locally. A successful build alone does not prove that the browser or Node version used in production can parse the output.
Use the error details to choose the next check
- Node reports an unexpected token near
importorexport: Check the file extension, nearest packagetype, and whether the file is expected to load as ESM or CommonJS. - A build tool reports an error inside a dependency or source file: Check whether that file is included in the appropriate loader or transform rule and whether the parser supports its syntax.
- The build completes, but a browser reports a syntax error: Inspect the emitted bundle and the configured production target; check syntax support separately from missing runtime APIs.
- The error began with a tool or plugin upgrade: Compare installed versions and their migration requirements with the Node version and module format used by the build.
The exact fix depends on the failing file, full error, before-and-after versions, and target environment. Without those details, prescribing a specific configuration line or dependency pin would be guesswork.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
