How to fix Error: Cannot find module 'lodash' Require stack: - /app/index.js in Node.js

Node.jsBEGINNERHIGH

Node.js throws a ModuleNotFoundError when it cannot locate a required module in the node_modules directory or module resolution paths. This typically happens when a package is not installed or the import path is incorrect.

What this error means

The "Cannot find module" error occurs when Node.js's module resolution system fails to locate a package you're trying to import or require. Node.js searches for modules in several locations: the local node_modules folder, parent directories up the file tree, and global installation paths. When the specified module isn't found in any of these locations, Node.js throws a ModuleNotFoundError. This error is one of the most common issues developers encounter when working with Node.js applications, especially when setting up new projects, cloning repositories, or managing dependencies. The module system expects packages to be properly installed and available in the node_modules directory before they can be imported. Understanding Node.js module resolution is key to fixing this error. Node.js follows a specific algorithm: it starts looking for the module in the current directory's node_modules, then checks parent directories recursively until it reaches the root. For npm packages, the module must be listed in package.json dependencies and physically present in node_modules after running npm install.

How to fix "Error: Cannot find module 'lodash' Require stack: - /app/index.js"

1Install the missing package

Run npm install with the package name to add it to your project:

bash

npm install lodash

For packages only needed in development (like testing frameworks), use:

bash

npm install --save-dev lodash

This adds the package to node_modules and updates package.json automatically.

2Install all project dependencies

If you've just cloned a repository or package.json exists but node_modules is missing, install all dependencies:

bash

npm install

This reads package.json and installs all listed dependencies. For projects using Yarn or pnpm:

bash

# Yarn
yarn install

# pnpm
pnpm install

3Verify the module name spelling

Check your import or require statement for typos:

javascript

// Incorrect
const _ = require('lodash'); // but you typed 'lodas'

// Correct
const _ = require('lodash');

Module names are case-sensitive. Verify the exact name by checking npmjs.com or the package documentation.

4Check package.json dependencies

Open package.json and verify the module is listed:

json

{
  "dependencies": {
    "lodash": "^4.17.21"
  }
}

If it's missing, either add it manually and run npm install, or use npm install lodash to add it automatically. Ensure production dependencies aren't listed under devDependencies.

5Clear npm cache and reinstall

If installation seems successful but the error persists, clear the npm cache:

bash

# Clear npm cache
npm cache clean --force

# Delete node_modules and lockfile
rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json

# Reinstall everything
npm install

On Windows, use:

powershell

# Delete folders
Remove-Item -Recurse -Force node_modules, package-lock.json

# Reinstall
npm install

6Fix local module paths

For custom local modules, use relative paths with ./ or ../:

javascript

// Incorrect - Node looks in node_modules
const utils = require('utils');

// Correct - Explicitly references local file
const utils = require('./utils');
const config = require('../config');

Local modules without ./ or ../ are treated as npm packages.

7Verify Node.js and npm versions

Check that your Node.js and npm versions meet the project requirements:

bash

node --version
npm --version

Some packages require specific Node.js versions. Check package.json for an engines field:

json

{
  "engines": {
    "node": ">=18.0.0"
  }
}

Use nvm (Node Version Manager) to switch versions if needed:

bash

nvm install 18
nvm use 18

How to fix Error: Cannot find module 'lodash' Require stack: - /app/index.js in Node.js

What this error means

Typical symptoms

Common causes

How to fix "Error: Cannot find module 'lodash' Require stack: - /app/index.js"

Advanced notes

Related errors

Official resources & further reading