Solving Uncaught ReferenceError: useState is not defined in React Development

Learn how to resolve the `useState` reference error in your React development. This guide offers solutions whether you're using modules or plain React scripts!
---

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Tackling Uncaught ReferenceError: useState is not defined in React

Understanding the Problem

To set the context, let's break down what’s happening. The useState hook is a built-in feature in React that allows you to manage state in functional components. However, it isn’t available as a global variable. This can lead to confusion, especially if you’re electing to work directly with script imports.

The Setup

When you include React in your project via the following script tags:

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

And then attempt to use the useState hook like so:

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

You will be greeted with the error:

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

The Solution

The resolution to this problem can thrive within two distinct approaches: using modules or avoiding modules. Let's discuss each method in detail.

1. Using ES Modules

A modern approach would be to take advantage of ES modules. If you haven’t switched to modules, consider doing so. Here’s how you can import useState properly:

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

Important Note: When using a module, make sure you are using a proper bundler (like Vite, Rollup, or Webpack), or if you're using Babel standalone for quick experimentation, ensure your script tag is correctly set for module usage.

2. Not Using ES Modules

If modules are not your preference, you can still utilize React's hooks by explicitly referencing the React object. Here's how to do that:

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

Putting It All Together

To help you visualize these solutions better, here's a complete example of how to set things up correctly:

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

Conclusion

Encountering the Uncaught ReferenceError: useState is not defined can be frustrating, but knowing how to properly utilize the useState hook will equip you with the necessary tools to keep progressing with React. Whether you choose to use modules or work directly with the React library, remember to always reference hooks correctly to maintain clean and functional code.

Happy coding!