Resolving await is only valid in async functions Error in Node.js

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This message indicates that the await keyword is being used improperly. If you’re creating a login functionality that involves hashing a password using the bcrypt library, let's dive into why you might be running into this error and how to resolve it.

The Problem

You’re trying to use await in a callback function after performing a database query. This results in the error because the function in which you're using await isn't declared as async. To set the stage, consider the code snippet you shared, which includes the following line:

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This line throws an error because the surrounding function doesn't recognize it as an asynchronous function.

Addressing the Issues

To correctly use await, you need to ensure that the function is defined as async. Let’s break down the solution step-by-step:

1. Recognizing Asynchronous Functions

An asynchronous function is defined by placing the keyword async in front of the function declaration. When you declare a function as async, it tells JavaScript that the function may contain asynchronous operations, which allows intermittent waiting for those operations to complete using await.

2. Updating Your Query Callback

Modify your controller code as follows:

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3. Code Explanation

The await keyword will now correctly pause execution until the password hashing is completed, allowing the result to be stored in the hashedPassword variable.

4. Alternative Method: Using Callbacks

If you prefer not to use async/await, you might opt for the traditional callback method with bcrypt, where you provide a callback function to handle the resulting hash:

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Conclusion

With this simple fix, you can eliminate the error and improve your login functionality's security and performance.

Happy coding!