KITFORMA · EDITORIAL GUIDE
Why does Node.js say require is not defined in ES module scope?
KitForma editorial guide. The file is being interpreted as an ES module, where CommonJS globals are not automatically available. File extensions and the nearest package.json type setting influence that interpretation.
Step-by-step guidance
The file is being interpreted as an ES module, where CommonJS globals are not automatically available. File extensions and the nearest package.json type setting influence that interpretation.
Use import syntax consistently, or keep a deliberately CommonJS file with the appropriate extension. When interoperating with a CommonJS dependency, use the documented bridge rather than renaming random files until the error disappears. Test the actual production entry point because a test runner may transform modules differently. Module conversion can change resolution, execution order and available metadata, so treat it as a package-level decision.
Sources and verification
Sources checked:
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