[vite]: rollup failed to resolve import

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

27-02-2025

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Vite's speed and efficiency are fantastic, but sometimes you encounter frustrating build errors like "Rollup failed to resolve import". This comprehensive guide will help you diagnose and fix this common issue. We'll cover various causes, from simple typos to more complex dependency problems. Understanding the root cause is key to a swift resolution.

Understanding the Error

The "Rollup failed to resolve import" error in Vite means that the Rollup bundler, which Vite uses under the hood, can't locate a module you're trying to import in your project. This prevents Vite from successfully building your application. This isn't specific to any single framework (React, Vue, Svelte, etc.), so the solutions are applicable across the board.

Common Causes and Solutions

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

1. Typos and Case Sensitivity

This is the most common culprit. JavaScript (and therefore Vite) is case-sensitive. A simple typo in your import statement will cause this error.

Example:

Incorrect: import { myComponent } from './MyComponent.vue'; Correct: import { MyComponent } from './MyComponent.vue';

Solution: Double-check your import paths for any spelling errors, paying close attention to capitalization. Your file name exactly needs to match the import path.

2. Incorrect File Paths

Ensure your import path accurately reflects the file's location within your project's directory structure.

Example (Incorrect):

import MyComponent from './components/my-component.vue'; // Incorrect path

Example (Correct):

import MyComponent from './components/MyComponent.vue';  // Correct path, assuming the file is actually MyComponent.vue

Solution: Verify the file path meticulously. Relative paths are generally preferred to avoid confusion. Use your IDE's "Go to Definition" or similar feature to help you locate files quickly.

3. Missing Dependencies

If you're importing a module from a package you haven't installed, you'll get this error.

Solution:

• Check package.json: Ensure the package is listed as a dependency in your package.json file.
• Install the package: If it's missing, install it using npm or yarn:

  npm install <package-name>
  # or
  yarn add <package-name>
  

• Clear the cache: Sometimes Vite's cache can cause issues. Try clearing it:

  npm run build -- --force  //Or yarn build --force if using yarn
  

4. Incorrect Package Version

Incompatible versions of dependencies can cause import resolution failures.

Solution:

• Check package.json: Examine the version numbers of your packages.
• Update dependencies: Use npm update or yarn upgrade to update your packages to their latest compatible versions. Consult your package's documentation for compatibility information. Consider using a package manager like pnpm to manage your dependencies effectively.

5. Incorrect Module Export

If the module you're trying to import doesn't export the specific component or function you're referencing, you'll encounter this error.

Example (Incorrect Export):

// MyComponent.vue
export default { /* ... */ }

Example (Incorrect Import):

import MyComponent from './MyComponent.vue'; // will work
import { MyComponent } from './MyComponent.vue'; // will fail unless MyComponent is specifically exported.

Solution: Verify that the module correctly exports what you're attempting to import. Check the module's source code.

6. Alias Configuration (Vite's resolve.alias)

If you're using aliases in your vite.config.js or vite.config.ts, ensure they are correctly configured.

Example (vite.config.js):

import { defineConfig } from 'vite';
import react from '@vitejs/plugin-react';

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

Solution: Carefully review your alias configurations to make sure they accurately map to the correct paths.

7. TypeScript Configuration

If you're using TypeScript, ensure your tsconfig.json is correctly configured and that your paths are accurately reflecting your project structure. Common issues include missing baseUrl or incorrect paths.

Solution: Review your tsconfig.json file for errors and consult TypeScript documentation for best practices.

8. Circular Dependencies

Circular dependencies can be a tricky issue. If module A imports module B, and module B imports module A, Rollup will fail to resolve them.

Solution: Refactor your code to break the circular dependency. This often requires restructuring your application's architecture.

9. Plugin Conflicts

Sometimes, conflicting Vite plugins can interfere with the import resolution process.

Solution: Try disabling plugins one by one to identify potential conflicts.

Debugging Tips

• Check your browser's developer console: This often reveals more detailed error messages.
• Simplify your import statements: Temporarily remove unnecessary imports to isolate the problematic one.
• Restart your development server: A simple restart can sometimes resolve transient issues.
• Search for the error message: Use a search engine to see if others have encountered the same problem and found a solution.

By systematically checking these common causes and employing the debugging tips, you should be able to resolve the "Rollup failed to resolve import" error and get your Vite project building successfully again. Remember to always double-check your code carefully, as typos and path errors are the most common culprits.