Fix - Declaration or statement expected error in TypeScript

Fix - Declaration or statement expected error in TypeScript #

The "Declaration or statement expected" error occurs when we have a syntax error in our code, e.g. when destructuring, exporting, or have a missing or inconsistent bracket. To solve the error, make sure to correct any syntax errors in your code.

Here are 3 examples of how the error occurs.

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let one: number;

const obj = {
  one: 1,
};

// 1. ⛔️ Parsing error: Declaration or statement expected.
{ one } = obj; // 👈️ this must be wrapped in parenthesis

const sum = (a: number, b: number) => a + b;

// 2. ⛔️ Error: Parsing error: Declaration or statement expected.eslint
export sum // 👈️ should be export {sum}

// 3. Make sure you're not using reserved words
const case = 'hello world' // 👈️ case is reserved word

The first example shows how the error occurs when destructuring. To be able to destructure and reassign an already-declared variable, wrap the statement in parenthesis.

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let one: number;

const obj = {
  one: 1,
};

// ✅ OK
({ one } = obj); // 👈️ this must be wrapped in parenthesis

console.log(one); // 👉️ 1

You might also get the error when exporting something that you previously declared. When you declare something and export it on another line, wrap the export in curly braces.

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const sum = (a: number, b: number) => a + b;

// ✅ OK
export { sum };

We are basically exporting an object that contains one or more named exports.

You don't have to use curly braces if you export and declare the variable in a single statement.

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// ✅ OK
export const sum = (a: number, b: number) => a + b;

Another common cause of the error is having a missing bracket somewhere in your code.

Carefully check your code for a missing curly brace, parenthesis, square bracket, etc.

If you use IntelliJ as your IDE and are getting the "Declaration or statement expected" error, try closing and re-opening the file or restarting your IDE as it sometimes glitches.

Make sure you aren't using any reserved words when declaring variables.

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const case = 'hello world' // 👈️ case is reserved word

Words like case, class, Error, etc are reserved, so we're not allowed to use them as variable names.