JavaScript

TS2304: Cannot Find Name: What It Means and How to Fix It

Error reference

TS2304: Cannot Find Name

Language

JavaScript

Severity

Medium

When it happens

TypeScript error TS2304 is reported when an identifier is used but TypeScript cannot find a declaration for it in the current scope.

Potential fixes

Import the identifier from the correct module. Install the relevant @types package for missing globals. Check for typos in names. Configure your tsconfig.json lib or types array to include the environment globals you need.

Deep dive

TypeScript error TS2304 is reported when an identifier is used but TypeScript cannot find a declaration for it in the current scope. This is the TypeScript equivalent of a ReferenceError and is caught at compile time.

Why it happens

•A function, variable, or type is used without being imported or declared.
•A global type (like window, document, or process) is used without the appropriate @types package.
•A type from a third-party library is used without installing @types for that library.
•A typo in the identifier name.

Potential fixes

Import the identifier from the correct module. Install the relevant @types package for missing globals. Check for typos in names. Configure your tsconfig.json lib or types array to include the environment globals you need.

Examples

JavaScript

Code that triggers the error

const result = add(2, 3); // 'add' not imported

Error output

error TS2304: Cannot find name 'add'.

Fixed code

import { add } from "./math";

const result = add(2, 3);

Practice in English

How would you explain a TS2304: Cannot Find Name to a fellow dev? Choose the right phrase:

"I hit an error...

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