Running into a TypeError: Cannot read property ‘bindings’ of null during your build process can be frustrating, especially when everything looks fine at first glance. This Babel loader error is generally caused by errors in parsing JavaScript code. Such errors are usually caused by misconfigurations or outdated packages.

If you encounter the error:

Module build failed (from ./node_modules/babel-loader/lib/index.js):
TypeError: Cannot read property 'bindings' of null

It typically means Babel is having trouble parsing your JavaScript files during compilation. Now that we know what the problem is, let’s see what can be the possible reasons you might encounter this problem.

What Causes the “Bindings of Null” Error in Babel Loader?

1. Syntax Errors in JavaScript Files

Most of the time, it’s those tiny typos in your JavaScript that fly under the radar and end up confusing Babel, leading to the “Bindings of Null” error

2. Outdated Dependencies

Quite often, people don’t realize that running on older versions of Babel or Webpack can quietly cause trouble, since these tools might not be in sync with the latest code features.

3. Misconfigured Babel Setup

One thing that often slips by is a small misstep in the Babel configuration files, like .babelrc or babel.config.js. A tiny mistake here can make Babel act up in unexpected ways.

4. Plugin Conflicts

It’s easy to miss that sometimes, plugins added to Babel or Webpack don’t always play well together, and those clashes can introduce hard-to-trace errors like this one.

Step-by-Step Fix Module Build Failed: TypeError

Step 1: Check for Syntax Errors

Run a linter to detect issues:

npm run lint

Fix any reported syntax issues and try rebuilding your project.

Step 2: Reinstall Dependencies

Sometimes, the issue lies in corrupted modules. Clean your project with:

rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json
npm install
npm run build

Step 3: Upgrade Babel and Webpack

Update Babel and Webpack to ensure compatibility:

npm install --save-dev @babel/core babel-loader webpack

 Step 4: Verify Babel Configuration

Check your Babel config file (.babelrc or babel.config.js). Here’s a minimal working setup:

{ "presets": ["@babel/preset-env", "@babel/preset-react"], "plugins": ["@babel/plugin-transform-runtime"]
}

Step 5: Clear Cache and Restart

Babel and Webpack may be using outdated cache:

rm -rf .cache
npm start

Step 6: Add Debug Logs

To gain more insight into what’s failing internally, enable debugging:

DEBUG=babel:* npm run build

This will print detailed logs for troubleshooting.

Conclusion

The “bindings of null” error in the Babel loader is usually the result of a misconfiguration or a subtle bug in your toolchain. Fortunately, following a clean troubleshooting process like checking syntax, refreshing dependencies, and reviewing configs will solve it in most cases. If your app is growing and these kinds of build issues keep slowing you down, it might be time to hire Node.js developers who can structure your builds the right way from the start. That small investment can save serious time and avoid preventable breakdowns in the long run.