Fix Error: Cannot find module 'babel-eslint'

If you see the error Cannot find module 'babel-eslint', don't worry. This is a common issue in Node.js projects. It happens when the module is missing or misconfigured.

This guide will help you fix it quickly. We'll cover the causes and solutions.

Why does this error occur?

The error appears when Node.js can't locate the babel-eslint package. This usually happens for a few reasons:

- The package is not installed in your project.

- The package is installed globally but not locally.

- Your ESLint configuration references it incorrectly.

Solution 1: Install babel-eslint

The simplest fix is to install the package. Run this command in your project directory:

npm install babel-eslint --save-dev

This installs babel-eslint as a dev dependency. After installation, the error should disappear.

Solution 2: Check your ESLint config

If the error persists, check your ESLint configuration. Open .eslintrc or eslint.config.js. Ensure it uses babel-eslint correctly:

{
  "parser": "babel-eslint",
  "rules": {
    // your rules here
  }
}

If you're using newer ESLint versions, consider migrating to @babel/eslint-parser.

Solution 3: Update to @babel/eslint-parser

babel-eslint is now deprecated. The recommended replacement is @babel/eslint-parser. To switch:

First, uninstall the old package:

npm uninstall babel-eslint

Then install the new parser:

npm install @babel/eslint-parser --save-dev

Update your ESLint config:

{
  "parser": "@babel/eslint-parser",
  "rules": {
    // your rules here
  }
}

Solution 4: Verify Node.js and npm versions

Sometimes version conflicts cause this error. Ensure you're using compatible versions.

Check your Node.js version:

node -v

Check your npm version:

npm -v

For modern JavaScript projects, use Node.js 14+ and npm 6+.

Solution 5: Clear npm cache

A corrupted cache might cause installation issues. Clear it with:

npm cache clean --force

Then reinstall your dependencies:

npm install

Common mistakes to avoid

- Installing babel-eslint globally instead of locally.

- Forgetting to add --save-dev during installation.

- Not updating the ESLint config after package changes.

If you're facing similar errors with other modules, check our guides on Fix Error: Cannot find module 'eslint' or Fix Error: Cannot find module 'express'.

Conclusion

The Cannot find module 'babel-eslint' error is easy to fix. Most cases are solved by installing the package or updating your config.

Remember that babel-eslint is deprecated. Migrating to @babel/eslint-parser is the best long-term solution.

For more Node.js module errors, see our guide on Fix Node.js Error: Cannot find module.