How to Utilize ES Modules in Netlify Functions

ES modules, which provide a modular approach for organizing and loading JavaScript code, can be used in Netlify Functions to enhance the functionality and maintainability of serverless functions. This guide will walk you through the steps to enable ES modules in Netlify Functions.

To begin, make sure you have a package.json file at the root level of your repository. Open the package.json file and add the following line:

1	"type": "module"

This line informs the Node.js runtime that your code will be utilizing ES modules.

Next, let’s modify the function declaration. Instead of using the traditional exports.handler syntax, we will now use the export keyword to define your function. Here’s an example:

1
2
3

export async function handler(event, context) {

}

By using the export keyword, we ensure that our function is recognized as an ES module.

Lastly, let’s update the response structure within the function. Instead of using the callback function, we will use the return statement. Here’s an example:

return {
  statusCode: 200,
  body: html,
}

With this updated syntax, we can simplify the response structure and improve the readability of our code.

By following these steps, you can successfully utilize ES modules in Netlify Functions. This approach allows you to leverage the benefits of modular JavaScript code within your serverless functions, making your code easier to maintain and understand.

tags: [“Netlify”, “ES modules”, “JavaScript”, “serverless functions”]