Failing the npm run build with exit status 137 in React with Vite: A Comprehensive Guide to Troubleshooting

Are you tired of encountering the frustrating error “Failing the npm run build with exit status 137” in your React project using Vite? You’re not alone! This error can be a real showstopper, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you troubleshoot and resolve it once and for all.

What is Exit Status 137?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand what exit status 137 means. In Linux and macOS, exit status 137 indicates that the process was terminated by signal 9 (SIGKILL). In other words, the process was forcefully killed, usually due to low memory or a system crash.

Common Causes of Exit Status 137 in React with Vite

So, what are the common causes of this error in React projects using Vite? Here are some likely culprits:

• Out-of-memory errors
• Incompatible dependencies or plugins
• Corrupted node_modules directory
• Incorrect Vite configuration
• System resource constraints

Troubleshooting Steps

Now that we’ve identified the possible causes, let’s walk through the troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

Step 1: Check System Resource Utilization

First, ensure that your system has sufficient resources to run the build process. Check your system’s memory, CPU, and disk usage using the following command:

free -h && top -b -n 1

This will give you an overview of your system’s current resource utilization.

Step 2: Update Node and npm

Sometimes, an outdated Node or npm version can cause compatibility issues. Run the following commands to update Node and npm:

nvm install node && npm install -g npm@latest

Make sure to restart your terminal or command prompt after updating.

Step 3: Clear node_modules and Package-lock.json

A corrupted node_modules directory or package-lock.json file can cause issues. Try deleting both and running npm install again:

rm -rf node_modules && rm package-lock.json && npm install

This will ensure a fresh installation of dependencies.

Step 4: Check Vite Configuration

Inspect your vite.config.js file for any incorrect or malformed configurations. Make sure to follow the official Vite documentation for configuration options:

import { defineConfig } from 'vite';

export default defineConfig({
  build: {
    // Ensure correct build configuration
  }
});

Step 5: Check for Incompatible Dependencies

Verify that all dependencies are compatible with Vite. Check the official Vite documentation for supported dependencies and plugins:

"dependencies": {
  "react": "^17.0.2",
  "react-dom": "^17.0.2",
  "vite": "^2.6.4",
  // Ensure all dependencies are compatible
}

Step 6: Run npm run build with –verbose Flag

To get more detailed error messages, run npm run build with the –verbose flag:

npm run build --verbose

This will provide more insight into the error and help you identify the root cause.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

Still stuck? Here are some additional tips to help you troubleshoot the issue:

Troubleshooting Tip	Description
Use a Memory Profiler	Use a memory profiler like Chrome DevTools or Node.js Inspector to identify memory leaks or excessive memory usage.
Check for Plugin Conflicts	Verify that Vite plugins are compatible with each other and with your project setup.
Try a Different Node Version	Switch to a different Node version using nvm or Node Version Manager to rule out Node-related issues.
Check Disk Space	Ensure that you have sufficient disk space available for the build process.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps and tips, you should be able to resolve the “Failing the npm run build with exit status 137” error in your React project using Vite. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and methodical in your troubleshooting approach. If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to seek help from the Vite community or online forums.

Final Checklist

Before moving forward, double-check the following:

1. System resources are sufficient
2. Node and npm are up-to-date
3. node_modules and package-lock.json are cleared
4. Vite configuration is correct
5. Dependencies are compatible with Vite

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to resolving the “Failing the npm run build with exit status 137” error and getting your React project up and running with Vite.

Remember, troubleshooting is an art that requires patience, persistence, and creativity. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try unconventional solutions. Happy coding!

Frequently Asked Question

Uh-oh! Are you stuck with the infamous “Failing the npm run build with exit status 137” error in React with Vite? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you troubleshoot and get back to building your awesome app!