"Failed to load plugin 'react' declared in '.eslintrc': Cannot find module 'eslint-plugin-react'" - A Guide to Fixing This ESLint Error
Have you ever encountered the frustrating "Failed to load plugin 'react' declared in '.eslintrc': Cannot find module 'eslint-plugin-react'" error when using ESLint with your React project? This error arises when ESLint cannot locate the necessary 'eslint-plugin-react' package, crucial for enforcing React-specific linting rules. This article will delve into the causes behind this error and equip you with the solutions to get your React project linting smoothly.
Scenario and Initial Code
Let's imagine you're working on a React project with ESLint configured to enforce coding standards. In your .eslintrc file, you've specified the 'react' plugin:
{
"plugins": ["react"],
// ... other configurations
}
However, upon running ESLint, you encounter the aforementioned error. This indicates that ESLint cannot locate the 'eslint-plugin-react' package, which is essential for applying React-specific linting rules like prop-type validation.
Causes and Solutions
-
Missing 'eslint-plugin-react' installation: The most common reason for this error is simply not having the 'eslint-plugin-react' package installed in your project.
Solution: Use your package manager (npm or yarn) to install the package:
npm install eslint-plugin-react --save-devor
yarn add eslint-plugin-react --dev -
Incorrect package name or version: Sometimes, typos in the package name or using an incompatible version of the plugin can lead to this error.
Solution: Double-check the package name in your
.eslintrcfile and make sure it's correctly spelled as "react" (without the 'eslint-plugin-' prefix). Also, verify the version compatibility with your project's other dependencies. -
Global vs. Local Installation: If 'eslint-plugin-react' is installed globally, ESLint might not be able to find it locally within your project.
Solution: It's best practice to install ESLint and its plugins locally within your project. If you have them installed globally, remove them and install them locally using the commands provided in the first solution.
-
Corrupted Node Modules: In some cases, the 'node_modules' folder can become corrupted, leading to issues with package resolution.
Solution: Run the following command to clear and reinstall your project's dependencies:
npm cache clean --force && npm installor
yarn cache clean && yarn install -
Conflicting ESLint configurations: Multiple ESLint configurations, either locally or globally, might create conflicts in plugin resolution.
Solution: Ensure your project has a single, clear ESLint configuration file (
.eslintrc). If you have multiple configurations, prioritize your project's configuration and remove any conflicting configurations.
Additional Tips
-
Restart IDE/Editor: After making changes to your project's dependencies or configuration, restart your IDE or editor to ensure that the changes are correctly reflected.
-
Check for Errors in Log Files: If the problem persists, check the ESLint log files or the output of your IDE's console for more detailed error messages.
-
Consult Documentation: Refer to the official documentation for both ESLint and 'eslint-plugin-react' for any updates, troubleshooting tips, or specific configuration requirements.
Conclusion
By carefully addressing these potential causes and implementing the provided solutions, you can effectively resolve the "Failed to load plugin 'react' declared in '.eslintrc': Cannot find module 'eslint-plugin-react'" error. With ESLint properly configured and the 'eslint-plugin-react' package in place, you can leverage its valuable linting capabilities for React projects, promoting code quality and consistency throughout your development process.
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