babel-preset-github

3.2.1 verified Sat Apr 25 auth: no javascript maintenance

GitHub.com's official Babel preset for transpiling JavaScript. Current version 3.2.1 (released 2019, last updated 2019-08-08). Based on `@babel/preset-env` with curated set of plugins used by GitHub.com, including support for ES2018+ and some non-standard features. Targets GitHub's browser support matrix by default, but supports custom browserlist targets. Limited release cadence and narrow scope (primarily for internal GitHub usage). Minimal community adoption outside GitHub.

Common errors

error Error: Cannot find module 'babel-preset-github' ↓

cause Missing package installation or incorrect module resolution

fix

Run npm install --save-dev babel-preset-github @babel/core and ensure node_modules is intact.

error Error: [BABEL] Unknown presets: github ↓

cause Preset name not resolved; Babel cannot find 'babel-preset-github' in node_modules

fix

Ensure the package is installed and .babelrc uses short name 'github' (not 'babel-preset-github').

error Error: Plugin/Preset files are not allowed to export anything but a function ↓

cause Using an ES module import for babel-preset-github in a .babelrc.js file that expects CommonJS

fix

Use require() instead of import: const preset = require('babel-preset-github')

Warnings

deprecated babel-preset-github is no longer actively maintained by GitHub; consider using @babel/preset-env directly with appropriate targets. ↓

fix Switch to @babel/preset-env with 'github' browserlist (e.g. 'last 1 chrome version, last 1 firefox version, last 1 safari version')

gotcha The 'targets' option expects { browsers: array } format, not top-level array. ↓

fix Use "presets": [["github", {"targets": {"browsers": ["last 1 version"]}}]]

gotcha Default browser targets are outdated and may not match GitHub's current browser support. ↓

fix Specify explicit browserslist targets that match your project's requirements.

Install

npm install babel-preset-github

yarn add babel-preset-github

pnpm add babel-preset-github

Imports

default
wrong
```
import preset from 'babel-preset-github'
```
correct
```
module.exports = require('babel-preset-github')
```
Babel presets are CommonJS; use require() in .babelrc.js or webpack config. ESM import may work in some environments but is not recommended.
preset
wrong
```
"presets": ["babel-preset-github"]
```
correct
```
"presets": ["github"]
```
In .babelrc, use short name 'github'. Babel resolves 'babel-preset-' prefix automatically.

targets

wrong

"presets": [["github", {"browsers": ["last 1 version"]}]]

correct

"presets": [["github", {"targets": {"browsers": ["last 1 version"]}}]]

Browser targets must be nested under 'targets.browsers' key, consistent with @babel/preset-env.

Quickstart

Shows how to configure babel-preset-github in .babelrc file with optional browserslist customization.

// Install: npm install --save-dev babel-preset-github @babel/core
// .babelrc
{
  "presets": ["github"]
}
// Or with custom browsers:
{
  "presets": [
    ["github", {
      "targets": {
        "browsers": ["last 2 versions", "not ie <= 11"]
      }
    }]
  ]
}