babel-plugin-remove-use-strict

1.0.1 verified Sat Apr 25 auth: no javascript

A Babel plugin that removes all `"use strict"` directives from JavaScript code. Version 1.0.1 is the current stable release; the package has minimal updates and is essentially feature-complete. It is a niche utility for projects where strict mode is unwanted (e.g., legacy code, certain bundling scenarios). Unlike manual regex-based removal, this plugin integrates directly into the Babel pipeline and respects AST, avoiding false positives in string literals or comments.

Common errors

error Error: Could not find plugin 'babel-plugin-remove-use-strict'. Ensure it is installed. ↓

cause Missing npm install or incorrect plugin name.

fix

Run 'npm install babel-plugin-remove-use-strict' and use short name 'remove-use-strict' in config.

error SyntaxError: Unexpected token (1:1) while parsing "use strict" ↓

cause Input code is not JavaScript (e.g., JSON) or has syntax error.

fix

Ensure input is valid JavaScript; the plugin works on AST, not raw text.

error TypeError: this.Opportunities is not a function ↓

cause Babel version mismatch (e.g., using Babel 6 plugin in Babel 7).

fix

Use a Babel 7 compatible version or fork the plugin.

Warnings

gotcha String literals containing 'use strict' (e.g., in console.log) are NOT removed. ↓

fix The plugin only removes directive nodes; ensure you understand the AST distinction.

gotcha The plugin is designed for Babel 6/7; compatibility with Babel 8 is untested. ↓

fix Test with your Babel version; consider contributing if issues arise.

gotcha Removing 'use strict' may change module behavior in ES modules or Node.js; it's not polyfilled. ↓

fix Only use if you understand the implications of disabling strict mode globally.

Install

npm install babel-plugin-remove-use-strict

yarn add babel-plugin-remove-use-strict

pnpm add babel-plugin-remove-use-strict

Imports

default
wrong
```
import removeUseStrict from 'babel-plugin-remove-use-strict'
```
correct
```
module.exports = { plugins: ["remove-use-strict"] }
```
This is a Babel plugin, not a JavaScript export. It's used via Babel config, not imported directly.
plugin name string
wrong
```
"babel-plugin-remove-use-strict"
```
correct
```
"remove-use-strict"
```
In .babelrc or babel.config.js, you specify the short name 'remove-use-strict' (without the 'babel-plugin-' prefix).

require("@babel/core").transform

wrong

require("@babel/core").transform(code, { plugins: [require("babel-plugin-remove-use-strict")] })

correct

require("@babel/core").transform(code, { plugins: ["remove-use-strict"] })

When using Node API, the plugin is referenced by string name, not required as a module.

Quickstart

Shows basic Babel config and the effect of removing 'use strict' directives from code.

// .babelrc
{
  "plugins": ["remove-use-strict"]
}

// Input
"use strict";
function f() {
  "use strict";
  console.log("use strict");
}

// Output
function f() {
  console.log("use strict");
}