Fixing Expression Expected and Syntax Error: Unexpected Token in Next.js JSX

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Understanding the Problem

In certain cases, you might find a part of your code functioning perfectly in one scenario but failing spectacularly in another. Take a scenario where you are displaying a table that lists posts and shows their expiry dates.

Here’s an example of the problematic area:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Here, when you try to execute this JSX, you may encounter the dreaded "Expression expected" error on some setups, and a console message like "Syntax error: Unexpected token." But why does that happen?

What’s Causing the Errors?

The root of the issue lies in how JSX handles embedded expressions. When you use curly braces {} in JSX, you can incorporate JavaScript expressions. However, you cannot declare new variables directly within those braces as you would in a normal JavaScript function.

In your example:

You are attempting to declare variables and execute logic directly inside the JSX which is invalid.

Solution: Refactor Your Code

To fix this problem, you need to move the logic out of the JSX and into a dedicated function. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Create a Helper Function

Define a function that will handle the logic of creating the expiry date cell without directly placing it in the JSX.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Update Your JSX

Now, you simply call this function from your JSX. This is how your refurbished code block looks:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Why This Works

By isolating the logic within the renderExpiryDate function, you avoid the limitations of the JSX syntax. The function can now handle any required computations and return valid JSX, which the main component can easily incorporate.

Conclusion