How can I fix the "Uncaught ReferenceError: $ is not defined" and "Uncaught SyntaxError: Unexpected token <" errors on my Webflow site?
TL;DR
- Ensure jQuery is loaded and referenced correctly, placing dependent scripts after jQuery or using document-ready functions.
- Verify script file paths and inspect network requests to ensure JavaScript files are served properly, avoiding misinterpretation as HTML.
Encountering “Uncaught ReferenceError: $ is not defined” and “Uncaught SyntaxError: Unexpected token <” errors on your Webflow site indicates specific issues with JavaScript loading and incorrect content being served.
1. Fixing "Uncaught ReferenceError: $ is not defined"
- Check jQuery Usage: Make sure you are using jQuery in your custom code sections. This error often appears when jQuery is called before it’s loaded.
- Ensure jQuery is Loaded: Confirm that jQuery is enabled in your project settings. Go to Project Settings, then click on Custom Code and ensure jQuery is not disabled under body end settings.
- Correct Script Placement: If you're using custom scripts that require jQuery, place them after jQuery by adding scripts in the Footer Code section or using document ready functions.
2. Resolving "Uncaught SyntaxError: Unexpected token <"
- Check for HTML in JavaScript Files: This error usually occurs when an HTML file is being loaded or interpreted as a JavaScript file.
- Verify File Paths: Double-check all your custom script references. A common mistake is referencing an incorrect file path or a file that returns an HTML document instead of a script.
- Inspect Network Requests: Use your browser’s developer tools to inspect network requests and ensure that script files are being served without HTML. Look at the Network tab to see if any scripts are loading as HTML.
3. General Debugging Techniques
- Review Console Errors for Details: Use the developer console in the browser to get more information about the errors.
- Test on Clean Page: Sometimes, external scripts or plugins can conflict. Test your code on a clean page to isolate the issue.
- Check for Typographical Errors: Even a small typo can cause syntax errors. Thoroughly check your script code for such errors.
Summary
Correct misplacements of jQuery references and ensure your script paths are correct to resolve the “Uncaught ReferenceError: $ is not defined” and “Unexpected token <” errors. Properly load dependent libraries before any custom scripts, and verify that JavaScript files are served as scripts and not misinterpreted HTML.