Understanding the await Error in JavaScript: How to Fix 'Await is Only Valid in Async Functions'

Discover how to resolve the common JavaScript error 'await is only valid in async functions'. This guide breaks down the problem and provides multiple solutions to help you confidently work with `async` and `await`.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: await is only valid in async functions and the top level bodies of modules

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Understanding the await Error in JavaScript

The Problem

You are likely working with asynchronous code when trying to connect to the Google Client API. This error typically arises when you attempt to use await outside of an async function. In your case, the following line is where the problem lies:

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

Understanding async and await

Before diving into solutions, let's clarify the concepts of async and await:

async Functions: Declaring a function as async means it will automatically return a promise. Inside an async function, you can use the await keyword.

await: The await keyword can pause the execution of the async function until the promise is resolved — allowing you to write asynchronous code in a more synchronous manner.

Solutions to the Problem

Here are two methods to fix the error you are encountering:

Solution 1: Use Promises with .then() and .catch()

One straightforward approach is to utilize the .then() and .catch() methods for handling promises instead of using await. Here's how you can refactor your code:

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

Solution 2: Use an async function to Wrap Your Logic

Another cleaner solution is to encapsulate your logic within an async function, ensuring that you can use await correctly without issues. Here’s how to do it:

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

In this refactor, the start() function is defined as async, allowing you to use await properly within it. The API call completes before your app starts listening on the specified port.

Conclusion

If you have further questions or run into other issues, feel free to reach out for more guidance. Happy coding!