JavaScript Development Space

Resolve '__dirname is Not Defined' Error in Node.js

__dirname is Not Defined

If you’re encountering the error **dirname is not defined in your Node.js project, it’s likely because you are using ES modules ("type": "module" in your package.json) instead of CommonJS modules. In ES modules, **dirname is not available by default. Here are some methods to fix it:

1. Manually Define __dirname

You can recreate the __dirname functionality using import.meta.url. Here’s how:

Loading code editor...

This will give you the same behavior as __dirname and __filename in CommonJS.

2. Use CommonJS (Remove "type": "module")

If you don’t need ES modules, you can remove "type": "module" from your package.json file. This way, Node.js will use CommonJS, where __dirname is natively supported.

3. Use a bundler (like Webpack or Rollup)

If you are working on a project that gets bundled for the browser (where __dirname doesn’t exist), you can configure a bundler like Webpack to polyfill it:

  • In Webpack, add this to your config:
Loading code editor...

This allows you to avoid the error in your browser-based projects.

By applying one of these methods, you can resolve the __dirname issue and ensure that your project runs smoothly.

JavaScript Development Space

JSDev Space – Your go-to hub for JavaScript development. Explore expert guides, best practices, and the latest trends in web development, React, Node.js, and more. Stay ahead with cutting-edge tutorials, tools, and insights for modern JS developers. 🚀

Join our growing community of developers! Follow us on social media for updates, coding tips, and exclusive content. Stay connected and level up your JavaScript skills with us! 🔥

© 2025 JavaScript Development Space - Master JS and NodeJS. All rights reserved.