Fix React Error 130: Complete Guide to Element Type Invalid Errors

Understanding React Error #130

React Error #130 is one of the most common yet frustrating errors developers encounter when building React applications for production. This minified error message typically appears as: "Minified React error #130; visit https://reactjs.org/docs/error-decoder.html?invariant=130" 1, 2.

The decoded message reveals the true issue: "Element type is invalid: expected a string (for built-in components) or a class/function (for composite components) but got: undefined"2 3. This error fundamentally means React cannot render a component because it received an unexpected value instead of a valid React component.

Why React Errors Become Cryptic in Production

When React applications are built for production, the code undergoes minification to reduce bundle size and improve performance4 5. This process:

Strips whitespace, comments, and line breaks

Shortens variable and function names (e.g., userProfile becomes a)

Removes development-only code and debug information

A helpful error message like "Cannot read property 'name' of undefined in UserProfile" becomes "Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read 'name' of undefined" with minified component references5.

Development vs Production Environment Differences

The behavior difference between development and production builds occurs because6 7:

Development mode includes extensive error checking and detailed warnings

Production mode prioritizes performance over debugging information

React.StrictMode may cause components to render multiple times in development

Source maps are typically excluded from production builds for security reasons

React Error #130 Debugging Flowchart - Step-by-step troubleshooting process

Root Causes of React Error #130

1. Import/Export Mismatches

The most common cause is incorrect import/export syntax1 8 9. This happens when:

Default Export with Named Import:

Named Export with Default Import:

2. Missing Component Exports

Sometimes developers forget to export their components entirely10:

javascript// Missing export - causes Error #130


import React from 'react';

class MyComponent extends React.Component {
  render() {
    return <div>Hello World</div>;
  }
}

// Missing: export default MyComponent;

3. Incorrect Component Usage in Routing

Error #130 frequently occurs in routing configurations when components are not properly defined11:

javascript// Incorrect - JSX literal as component


const MyRoute = () => {
  let Component;
  switch (userType) {
    case 'admin':
      Component = <AdminDashboard />;

// ❌ JSX literal


      break;
    default:
      Component = DefaultComponent;
  }
  return <Route component={Component} />;
};

// Correct - Function component


const MyRoute = () => {
  let Component;
  switch (userType) {
    case 'admin':
      Component = () => <AdminDashboard />;

// ✅ Function


      break;
    default:
      Component = DefaultComponent;
  }
  return <Route component={Component} />;
};

4. Third-Party Library Issues

Build tools like Vite and Webpack can cause issues with certain libraries12 13:

ESBuild vs Rollup compatibility problems

Libraries without proper __esModule flags

Bundler-specific handling of CommonJS modules

5. Circular Dependencies

Circular dependencies between components can cause Error #130, especially in production builds where module resolution behaves differently14 15.

Step-by-Step Debugging Process

Step 1: Use the Error Decoder

Visit the React Error Decoder URL provided in the error message2 16. This will show you the full, unminified error text, which is crucial for understanding the specific issue.

Step 2: Switch to Development Mode

Run your application in development mode to get detailed error messages17 4:

bashnpm start

# or


npm run dev

Development builds provide:

Detailed component stack traces

Specific line numbers

Helpful warnings about potential issues

Step 3: Audit Import/Export Statements

Systematic Import/Export Check:

Verify export syntax in the component file:

javascript// Check for proper export


export default MyComponent;

// or


export { MyComponent };

Match import syntax to export type:

javascript// For default exports


import MyComponent from './MyComponent';

// For named exports


import { MyComponent } from './MyComponent';

Confirm file paths are correct and case-sensitive14

Step 4: Check Component Definitions

Ensure all components are properly defined as functions or classes3:

javascript// Valid function component


const MyComponent = () => {
  return <div>Content</div>;
};

// Valid class component


class MyComponent extends React.Component {
  render() {
    return <div>Content</div>;
  }
}

// Invalid - not a component


const MyComponent = <div>Content</div>;

// ❌ JSX literal

Step 5: Validate Third-Party Libraries

For libraries causing issues in production12:

javascript// Workaround for problematic imports


import DT from "react-datetime";
const DateTime = DT.default ? DT.default : DT;

Step 6: Test Production Build Locally

Always test production builds locally before deployment18 19:

bashnpm run build
npx serve -s build

Prevention Strategies

1. Enable React Strict Mode

Add <React.StrictMode> to catch issues during development20 21:

javascriptReactDOM.render(
  <React.StrictMode>
    <App />
  </React.StrictMode>,
  document.getElementById('root')
);

2. Implement Error Boundaries

Create error boundaries to gracefully handle component errors20 22:

javascriptclass ErrorBoundary extends React.Component {
  constructor(props) {
    super(props);
    this.state = { hasError: false };
  }

  static getDerivedStateFromError(error) {
    return { hasError: true };
  }

  componentDidCatch(error, errorInfo) {
    console.error('Error caught by ErrorBoundary:', error, errorInfo);
  }

  render() {
    if (this.state.hasError) {
      return <h1>Something went wrong.</h1>;
    }
    return this.props.children;
  }
}

3. Use TypeScript

TypeScript's static typing prevents many component-related errors at compile time21:

typescriptinterface Props {
  data: UserData;
  onSubmit: (data: UserData) => void;
}

const MyComponent: React.FC<Props> = ({ data, onSubmit }) => {
  return <div>{data.name}</div>;
};

4. Configure Proper Source Maps

Enable source maps for better debugging in production23 24:

javascript// webpack.config.js


module.exports = {
  devtool: 'source-map',

// for production debugging// other config

};

// Vite config


export default {
  build: {
    sourcemap: true
  }
};

5. Automated Testing

Implement comprehensive testing to catch errors before production21:

javascript// Jest + React Testing Library


import { render } from '@testing-library/react';
import MyComponent from './MyComponent';

test('renders without crashing', () => {
  render(<MyComponent data={mockData} />);
});

6. ESLint Configuration

Use ESLint rules to catch common React errors21:

json{
  "extends": [
    "eslint:recommended",
    "@typescript-eslint/recommended",
    "plugin:react/recommended"
  ],
  "rules": {
    "react/prop-types": "error",
    "import/no-unresolved": "error"
  }
}

Build Tool Specific Solutions

For Vite Users

When encountering Error #130 with Vite12 13:

javascript// vite.config.js


export default defineConfig({
  resolve: {
    alias: {
      'react/jsx-runtime': 'react/jsx-runtime.js',
    },
  },
  plugins: [react({
    babel: {
      plugins: [
        ['@babel/plugin-transform-react-jsx', { runtime: 'automatic' }],
      ],
    },
  })],
});

For Webpack Users

Configure proper chunk splitting to avoid Error #13025:

javascript// webpack.config.js


module.exports = {
  optimization: {
    splitChunks: {
      cacheGroups: {
        vendor: {
          test: /[\\/]node_modules[\\/]/,
          chunks: "all",
          name: "vendors"
        }
      }
    }
  }
};

Advanced Debugging Techniques

Using Browser DevTools

Chrome DevTools Console Techniques17:

Expand error details by clicking the caret (▶) next to errors

Filter console messages using keywords like "React" or error codes

Use console.trace() in suspect code regions during development

Set conditional breakpoints to catch errors at specific conditions

Error Monitoring in Production

Implement error monitoring services for production applications17 15:

javascript// Sentry integration


import * as Sentry from "@sentry/react";

Sentry.init({
  dsn: "YOUR_DSN_HERE",
});

// Error boundary with Sentry


const SentryErrorBoundary = Sentry.withErrorBoundary(MyComponent, {
  fallback: ErrorFallback
});

Common Scenarios and Quick Fixes

Scenario 1: Component Not Rendering

Problem: Component imports as undefined

Solution: Check export statement in component file

Scenario 2: Third-Party Library Issues

Problem: Library works in dev but fails in production

Solution: Check for CommonJS/ESM compatibility issues

Scenario 3: Dynamic Imports Failing

Problem: Lazy-loaded components throw Error #130

Solution: Ensure proper fallback handling and error boundaries

Scenario 4: Build Tool Migration Issues

Problem: Error appears after switching build tools (CRA to Vite)

Solution: Review import/export compatibility and bundler config

Pro Tips for Error Prevention

1. Always test production builds locally before deployment 2. Use development mode for detailed error messages during debugging 3. Implement comprehensive error boundaries throughout your component tree 4. Enable source maps in production for better debugging (if security allows) 5. Use TypeScript to catch type-related errors at compile time 6. Keep dependencies up to date to avoid compatibility issues 7. Follow consistent import/export patterns across your codebase Conclusion

Always test production builds locally before deployment

Use development mode for detailed error messages during debugging

Implement comprehensive error boundaries throughout your component tree

Enable source maps in production for better debugging (if security allows)

Use TypeScript to catch type-related errors at compile time

Keep dependencies up to date to avoid compatibility issues

Follow consistent import/export patterns across your codebase

React Error #130 ("Element type is invalid") is a common production error that stems primarily from import/export mismatches, missing component exports, or build tool compatibility issues. By understanding the root causes, following systematic debugging steps, and implementing preventive measures, developers can quickly resolve these errors and build more robust React applications.

The key to managing these errors lies in thorough testing in production-like environments, proper error boundaries, and maintaining consistent code patterns. With the debugging flowchart and prevention strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to handle Error #130 and similar React production issues.

Tags: React, Error 130, Element Type Invalid, Production Debugging, Import Export, Component Errors, Build Tools, Webpack, Vite, Error Boundaries

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