How to Fix SyntaxError: unexpected reserved word 'await' in Async Functions

Learn how to troubleshoot and resolve the `SyntaxError: unexpected reserved word 'await'` error in your JavaScript async functions.
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How to Fix SyntaxError: unexpected reserved word 'await' in Async Functions

If you're delving into JavaScript's asynchronous programming, you might encounter the error: SyntaxError: unexpected reserved word 'await'. This error often arises when using await inside an async function without the necessary structure. In this guide, we will explore the issue in detail and provide a clear and simple solution to get your code running smoothly.

Understanding the Error

When you see this error, it usually indicates that the JavaScript engine is expecting to find a different type of code but encounters the await keyword in a context where it isn't allowed. This can occur in situations such as using await inside a non-async callback function.

Example Scenario

Here's a typical situation that leads to the error:

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

In this snippet, the map function is being used to loop through emoticons. However, the arrow function inside map is not marked as async, which leads to the SyntaxError when trying to use await inside that function.

The Solution

To fix this error, you need to ensure that the callback you provide to functions like map is also an async function. Here’s how you can do it.

Step-by-Step Fix

Add async to the Callback: Modify the callback function in your map method to be an async function. Below is the corrected version of the code provided:

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

Key Changes

Async Keyword: Notice that the async keyword was added before the parameter list in the map callback. This allows you to use await inside this function without encountering a syntax error.

Conclusion

When programming with JavaScript's async/await syntax, it's crucial to ensure all functions that use await are declared as async. By adding the async keyword to all necessary callback functions, you can avoid the SyntaxError: unexpected reserved word 'await' and enable your code to execute as intended.

Happy coding, and may your development journey be free of errors!