How to Fix Jest's SyntaxError: Unexpected Token Export in Jasmine Tests

Explore solutions to resolve the SyntaxError: Unexpected Token Export in Jest while working with Jasmine, TypeScript, and Angular.
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If you are facing the dreaded SyntaxError: Unexpected Token Export while running Jasmine tests with Jest in an Angular project using TypeScript, you're not alone. This error can be quite common due to the way different modules and transpilation processes are handled across JavaScript tools and frameworks.

Understand the Problem

The main issue here arises from Jest's inability to understand the ES Module syntax directly, mainly when it encounters the export statement in your project files. This problem often stems from using ES6 module syntax which Jest struggles to parse if not configured correctly.

Steps to Solve the Issue

Check TypeScript Configurations:

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Update Jest Configurations:

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Consider Babel for Transpiling:

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Then, update your Jest config to use babel-jest:

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Use Module Mocks:
Sometimes the errors are related to third-party modules that do not play well with the default Jest configuration. Use module mocks to bypass this:

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Double Check File Extensions:
Make sure that your test and source files have the correct extensions (.ts, .tsx) expected by Jest.

By following these steps, many developers have successfully resolved the SyntaxError: Unexpected Token Export when using Jest with Jasmine, Angular, and TypeScript. These adjustments ensure your setup is compatible across different environments, allowing for smooth test execution.

Conclusion

Encountering SyntaxError: Unexpected Token Export can be frustrating, especially when working across ecosystems such as Angular, TypeScript, and Jasmine with Jest. A proper understanding of module systems and careful configuration of Jest and TypeScript can help you overcome this obstacle effectively. By ensuring compatibility and utilizing appropriate tools for transpilation like babel, you can circumvent these issues, enabling smooth integration testing and enhancing your workflow.