Bootstrap 5: Demystifying the "Uncaught TypeError: Popper__namespace.createPopper is not a function" Error
Have you encountered the dreaded "Uncaught TypeError: Popper__namespace.createPopper is not a function" error while working with Bootstrap 5? This error often pops up when using components like dropdowns, tooltips, or popovers, and can be a real head-scratcher. This article will break down the common causes of this error and provide practical solutions to get your Bootstrap 5 components working smoothly.
Scenario: You've incorporated Bootstrap 5 into your project, and you're trying to use a dropdown menu or tooltip, but instead of the expected behavior, you're greeted with this error message.
Original Code (Example with a Dropdown):
<div class="dropdown">
<button class="btn btn-secondary dropdown-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="dropdown" aria-expanded="false">
Dropdown button
</button>
<ul class="dropdown-menu">
<li><a class="dropdown-item" href="#">Action</a></li>
<li><a class="dropdown-item" href="#">Another action</a></li>
<li><hr class="dropdown-divider">
<li><a class="dropdown-item" href="#">Something else here</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Understanding the Error:
This error typically indicates that the createPopper function, which is essential for positioning Bootstrap's interactive components, isn't being loaded correctly. Popper.js is a library responsible for positioning elements relative to other elements, and Bootstrap 5 heavily relies on it.
Common Causes:
- Missing or Incorrect Popper.js Inclusion: The most likely culprit is that Popper.js isn't included in your project or is not referenced correctly. Bootstrap 5 requires Popper.js to function properly.
- Conflicting Libraries: If you're using other JavaScript libraries that might be interfering with Popper.js, this could lead to the error.
- Outdated Bootstrap or Popper.js Versions: Ensure you're using the latest compatible versions of both Bootstrap 5 and Popper.js.
Solutions:
-
Ensure Popper.js is Included:
- Using a CDN:
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/@popperjs/[email protected]/dist/umd/popper.min.js"></script> - Using NPM/Yarn:
Make sure Popper.js is installed (e.g.,
npm install @popperjs/core) and import it in your JavaScript file.
- Using a CDN:
-
Check for Conflicts: If you suspect other libraries are causing the issue, try temporarily disabling them to see if it resolves the error.
-
Update Bootstrap and Popper.js: Check the official Bootstrap 5 documentation https://getbootstrap.com/docs/5.0/getting-started/introduction/ for the latest recommended versions of Bootstrap and Popper.js.
Debugging Tips:
- Browser Developer Tools: Use your browser's developer console to inspect the error message for specific clues about the issue's origin.
- Test with a Minimal Example: Create a simple HTML page with only Bootstrap 5, Popper.js, and the component you're trying to use to isolate the problem.
Additional Resources:
- Bootstrap 5 Documentation: https://getbootstrap.com/docs/5.0/
- Popper.js Documentation: https://popper.js.org/
By following these steps and carefully examining your project's setup, you can effectively troubleshoot and eliminate the "Uncaught TypeError: Popper__namespace.createPopper is not a function" error, ensuring your Bootstrap 5 components work flawlessly.
