Fix Error: Cannot find module 'prettier'

If you see the error Cannot find module 'prettier', don't worry. This is a common issue in Node.js projects. It means Prettier is not installed or not accessible.

Why does this error occur?

The error happens when Node.js can't locate the Prettier module. This usually occurs for one of these reasons:

1. Prettier is not installed in your project.

2. The module is installed in the wrong location.

3. There are permission issues.

4. The node_modules folder is corrupted.

How to fix the error

Here are the best solutions to resolve this issue.

1. Install Prettier locally

The most common fix is to install Prettier in your project. Run this command in your project root:

npm install prettier --save-dev

This installs Prettier as a dev dependency. The --save-dev flag adds it to your package.json.

2. Check your node_modules

If Prettier is already installed, verify it exists in node_modules:

ls node_modules | grep prettier

If nothing appears, reinstall your dependencies:

rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json
npm install

3. Install Prettier globally

For CLI usage, you might need a global installation:

npm install -g prettier

But remember, global installs can cause version conflicts. Local installs are preferred.

4. Verify your require statement

Ensure your code imports Prettier correctly:

const prettier = require("prettier"); // Correct

A typo in the module name will trigger the error.

Common scenarios

Here are some specific cases where this error appears.

When using ESLint

If you're using ESLint with Prettier, ensure both are installed. Similar errors occur with ESLint or babel-eslint.

In CI/CD pipelines

Build servers often need fresh dependency installation. Always run npm install in your pipeline.

With VS Code extensions

The Prettier VS Code extension needs the module installed. Check your workspace settings.

Prevent future issues

Follow these best practices to avoid module errors:

1. Commit package-lock.json to version control.

2. Specify exact Prettier versions in package.json.

3. Use nvm to manage Node.js versions.

4. Clean install when switching branches.

Conclusion

The Cannot find module 'prettier' error has simple solutions. Most often, installing Prettier locally fixes it. For similar module errors, check our guides on nodemon or other missing modules.

Always verify your dependencies and installation paths. Happy coding!