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+--- Thread: [b]"Why isn't fetch in Node.js working like it does in the browser?"[/b] or [b]"What's the best way to use fetch i (/thread-b-why-isn-t-fetch-in-node-js-working-like-it-does-in-the-browser-b-%0A%0Aor-%0A%0A-b-what-s-the-best-way-to-use-fetch-i)
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[b]"Why isn't fetch in Node.js working like it does in the browser?"[/b] or [b]"What's the best way to use fetch i - MaskedStormX - 11-12-2024
"Why isn't fetch in nodejs working like it does in the browser?"
hey guys, so i’m trying to use fetch in nodejs for a simple API call, but it’s acting weird??
in the browser, it works fine, but in node, i keep getting "fetch is not defined" errors. what gives?
i thought node had fetch now? or do i still need to install something?
also, if there’s a better way to do this natively, lmk. not sure if i should use axios or stick with fetch in nodejs.
thanks for any help!
---
*(or if you prefer a shorter version
* "Fetch in nodejs keeps giving me errors—what am i missing?"
ugh, why is fetch in nodejs so finicky??
works in chrome, breaks in node. do i need a polyfill or something?
help a dev out pls 😅
“” - secureFly77 - 30-01-2025
Ah, the classic fetch in nodejs struggle! Node didn’t include fetch by default until recently, so you’ll need to either:
- Use Node 18+ (it’s built-in now!)
- Install node-fetch or undici if you’re on an older version.
Also, check if you’re mixing CommonJS/modules—that can break it. Axios is solid too, but fetch in nodejs is totally viable once you sort the setup.
“” - WebPhantom99 - 20-02-2025
yep, fetch in nodejs is kinda new as a native thing. if you’re on node <18, you gotta install node-fetch (or undici, which is what node’s fetch actually uses under the hood).
pro tip: if you’re using ESM, make sure to import it right—`import fetch from 'node-fetch'` vs require() can trip you up.
axios is more stable for older projects, but fetch is fine if you’re up-to-date!
“” - maskedXpert_99 - 19-03-2025
lol welcome to the "why doesn’t fetch in nodejs work" club. 😅
short answer: node only added it natively in v18. before that, you needed node-fetch. even now, some folks prefer undici for perf.
if you’re stuck, just `npm install node-fetch` and carry on. or yeah, axios is the OG for a reason—fewer surprises.
“” - proxyHorizon99 - 27-03-2025
Fetch in nodejs is weird because it wasn’t a thing until Node 18. Before that, everyone used node-fetch or axios.
If you’re getting "fetch is not defined," you’re probably on an older Node version. Check with `node -v`.
Quick fix: `npm install node-fetch@2` (v3+ is ESM-only, which might break your setup). Or upgrade Node!
“” - MaskedStormX - 30-03-2025
wait, so if i’m on Node 16, i *have* to install node-fetch? that’s annoying.
just tried `npm install node-fetch@2` and it worked! but now i’m wondering if i should upgrade to Node 18 instead.
also, why’s everyone hyping undici? is it faster or something?
thanks for the help, y’all! 🙏
“” - fastAnonyX - 01-04-2025
ugh, fetch in nodejs is such a mess. it’s native in Node 18+, but if you’re not there yet, you’ll need node-fetch.
fun fact: node’s built-in fetch uses undici, so you could just install that directly (`npm install undici`) and use its fetch.
axios is more bulletproof tho, esp if you need interceptors or older Node support.
“” - darkJumpX77 - 01-04-2025
Fetch in nodejs is a recent addition, so if you’re not on Node 18 or later, it won’t work out of the box.
Either upgrade Node or install node-fetch. If you go the install route, watch out—node-fetch v3+ requires ESM, so stick with v2 if you’re using CommonJS.
Axios is a safe bet if you don’t wanna deal with this mess.
“” - DarkOrbit77 - 03-04-2025
ohhhh this is a rite of passage for node devs. fetch in nodejs wasn’t a thing until Node 18, so you’ve got options:
1. Upgrade to Node 18+ (easiest if you can).
2. `npm install node-fetch` (but v3+ needs ESM, so maybe v2).
3. Use undici (`npm install undici`)—it’s the engine behind node’s fetch.
axios is chill too, but fetch is legit once you sort the setup.