When working with Jest in a modern JavaScript project, especially when using TypeScript or Babel, you might run into the frustrating error: "Unexpected token in CJS folder." This error often arises due to incorrect configurations in your Jest setup, particularly when using the moduleNameMapper
option in your Jest configuration. This article will guide you through the common reasons for this error and how to fix it effectively. Let's delve into the intricacies of Jest's configuration to ensure a smooth testing experience.
Understanding the Error
The error "Unexpected token in CJS folder" typically occurs when Jest encounters a syntax it doesn't understand in CommonJS (CJS) modules. This can happen when you're using ES6 features (like import/export syntax) in files that Jest expects to be in CommonJS format. Additionally, this issue can arise if there is a misconfiguration in your Jest settings, particularly in the moduleNameMapper
.
What is moduleNameMapper
?
moduleNameMapper
is a powerful configuration option in Jest that allows you to map module paths to specific file paths or mock modules. This is particularly useful for aliasing directories, mocking static assets, or handling stylesheets, among other use cases. A typical moduleNameMapper
setup looks like this:
module.exports = {
moduleNameMapper: {
'^@components/(.*)