How can I use an ES6 import in Node.js? [duplicate]

Answer 1

I just wanted to use the import and export in JavaScript files.

Everyone says it's not possible. But, as of May 2018, it's possible to use above in plain Node.js, without any modules like Babel, etc.

Here is a simple way to do it.

Create the below files, run, and see the output for yourself.

Also don't forget to see Explanation below.

File myfile.mjs

function myFunc() {
    console.log("Hello from myFunc")
}

export default myFunc;

File index.mjs

import myFunc from "./myfile.mjs"  // Simply using "./myfile" may not work in all resolvers

myFunc();

Run

node  --experimental-modules  index.mjs

Output

(node:12020) ExperimentalWarning: The ESM module loader is experimental.

Hello from myFunc

Explanation:

1. Since it is experimental modules, .js files are named .mjs files
2. While running you will add --experimental-modules to the node index.mjs
3. While running with experimental modules in the output you will see: "(node:12020) ExperimentalWarning: The ESM module loader is experimental. "
4. I have the current release of Node.js, so if I run node --version, it gives me "v10.3.0", though the LTE/stable/recommended version is 8.11.2 LTS.
5. Someday in the future, you could use .js instead of .mjs, as the features become stable instead of Experimental.
6. More on experimental features, see: https://nodejs.org/api/esm.html