[vite]: rollup failed to resolve import

Breiz Heurope

3 min read

·

10-03-2025

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Vite, a lightning-fast build tool, occasionally throws the dreaded "Rollup failed to resolve import" error. This frustrating issue often stems from misconfigurations in your project's setup or dependencies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through common causes and effective solutions to get your Vite project back on track. We'll cover everything from simple typos to more complex dependency issues.

Understanding the Error

The "Rollup failed to resolve import" message in Vite indicates that the Rollup bundler, Vite's underlying engine, can't locate a module you're trying to import in your code. This means the path to the imported file is incorrect, the module isn't installed, or there's a problem with your project's configuration.

Common Causes and Solutions

Let's dive into the most frequent reasons for this error and how to fix them.

1. Typos and Incorrect Paths

This is the most common culprit. Double-check your import statements for typos in filenames or directory paths. Even a single incorrect character can prevent Rollup from finding the module.

Example:

// Incorrect import
import { myFunction } from './my-module.js'; 

// Correct import (assuming the file is actually named 'myModule.js')
import { myFunction } from './myModule.js';

Solution: Carefully review the casing and spelling of your import paths. Use your IDE's autocompletion features to assist.

2. Missing Dependencies

If the imported module is from a package, ensure it's properly installed. Run npm install or yarn install to install any missing dependencies listed in your package.json file.

Solution:

• Check your package.json file to confirm the dependency exists.
• Run npm install or yarn install to install or reinstall packages.
• Verify the package name is correctly spelled in your import statement.

3. Incorrect Module Resolution

Vite uses Rollup's module resolution system, which can sometimes differ from Node.js's. Ensure your module is placed in a location where Rollup can find it. This may involve adjusting your project structure or using aliases.

Solution:

• Organize your project: Maintain a clear and consistent directory structure for your modules.
• Use aliases (recommended): Configure aliases in your vite.config.js or vite.config.ts file to simplify imports and improve maintainability. Example:

// vite.config.js
import { defineConfig } from 'vite';

export default defineConfig({
  resolve: {
    alias: {
      '@components': '/src/components', // Example alias
    },
  },
});

4. Incorrect File Extensions

Always include the correct file extension (.js, .jsx, .ts, .tsx, .vue, etc.) in your import statements. Omitting the extension or using an incorrect one is a common source of errors.

Example:

// Incorrect (missing extension)
import MyComponent from './MyComponent';

// Correct
import MyComponent from './MyComponent.vue'; 

5. Version Conflicts

Inconsistent or conflicting versions of dependencies can cause import resolution problems.

Solution:

• Check your package.json and package-lock.json (or yarn.lock) for dependency conflicts.
• Try updating all your dependencies using npm update or yarn upgrade.
• If updating doesn't work, try a clean install by deleting your node_modules folder and running npm install or yarn install again.

6. Webpack Configuration Leftovers (if migrating)

If you are migrating a project from Webpack to Vite, remnants of Webpack configuration might interfere. Ensure your Vite configuration file is clean and doesn't contain any conflicting settings.

Solution: Carefully review your vite.config.js file and remove any settings that are not relevant to Vite.

7. ES Module Issues (ESM)

Issues can arise if you are importing CommonJS modules (require) into an ES module environment. Consider using an ES module-compatible version of the library or employing a transpiler like Babel to resolve this incompatibility.

8. Case Sensitivity

File systems are often case-sensitive (especially on Linux/macOS). Ensure that the casing in your import statement precisely matches the casing of the actual file name and directory structure.

Solution: Double-check the case of every character in your import path.

Debugging Tips

• Clean your project: Delete your node_modules folder and run npm install or yarn install again.
• Check your browser's developer console: The browser's console may provide more detailed error messages about the failed import.
• Simplify your import: Create a minimal, reproducible example to isolate the problem. Start with a simple import and gradually add complexity until the error appears. This will help pinpoint the exact source of the issue.

By systematically addressing these potential issues, you'll significantly increase your chances of resolving the "Rollup failed to resolve import" error and get your Vite project building successfully. Remember to always consult the official Vite documentation for the most up-to-date information and best practices.