Why does an ES6 React component work only with "export default"?

javascript

import-syntax

export-default

react-components

byAlex Kataev·Mar 13, 2025

The export default syntax in ES6 notably streamlines the import process of React components by allowing you to forego curly braces. While named exports necessitate explicit braces and precise naming, default exports do not:

Default export:

export default class MyComponent extends React.Component {} 
// "I'm pretty chill, and I don't go by many names."

import MyComponent from './MyComponent';

Named export:

export class MyComponent extends React.Component {}
// "Pick me out personally or don't pick me at all!"

import { MyComponent } from './MyComponent';

Primarily, default exports are simply easier to manage when a single component is exported per file, and they ensure that a module can export one default for hassle-free consumption.

Break Down: What "Export Default" Does for Your React Component

Simplifies import syntax for single components

Given that React encourages a one-component-per-file mantra for enhanced maintainability, the export default syntax is naturally in line with this pattern. It allows direct imports void of curly braces, which leads to tidier and more readable code:

// Single export default leads to cleaner import
import HeroComponent from './HeroComponent';
// "HeroComponent reporting for duty, no questions asked!"

// Multiple named exports lead to more verbose and complex imports
import { SidekickComponent, VillainComponent } from './CharacterComponents';
// "Yup, the gang's all here. We counted!"

Provides the freedom to rename

The beauty of default exports is that they can be renamed upon import with no need for any aliasing syntax:

// Default export: rename without additional syntax
import SuperHeroComponent from './HeroComponent';
// "Look, up in the sky! It's SuperHeroComponent!"

// Named exports: aliasing syntax required for renaming
import { HeroComponent as ClarkKent } from './CharacterComponents';
// "Shhh! Don't tell anyone, but I'm actually ClarkKent."

Ensures compatibility with code splitting and lazy loading

When it comes to using dynamic imports paired with React.lazy, default exports pave way for a more streamlined approach towards code splitting and lazy loading:

// Lazy loading with default export
const LazyHeroComponent = React.lazy(() => import('./HeroComponent'));
// "Don't call me into action until it's absolutely necessary!"

The Why & How: A Deeper Dive into "Export Default"

The Limitations of Named Exports

With named exports, your components need to be imported under the exact same name they were exported with, and this can cause potential confusion or naming conflicts:

// Potential for confusion and naming conflicts
import { TheRealHero as MainHero, HeroImpostor as OtherHero } from './VariousHeroes';
// "Wait, which one's the real hero again?"

The Advantages of "Export Default"

Beyond user-friendly syntax, export default ensures easier integration with code libraries or tools that anticipate a default export from each module. This is especially useful if you’re working with libraries that automatically bind your components or enhance them in certain ways.

Importing Both Named and Default Exports

From times to times, a module might contain one default export and several named exports for any companion components or functions. ES6 allows to import both formats simultaneously, thereby providing the flexibility to design your modules as you please:

// Simultaneous import example
import HeroComponent, { SidekickComponent, utilityFunction } from './AdventureComponents';
// "Who said we can't have it all? We got the whole squad here!"