The shortcoming to make use of the `await` key phrase outdoors of an `async` operate signifies a JavaScript atmosphere that does not help this function. This sometimes happens in older JavaScript engines or environments the place the mandatory updates have not been carried out. As an illustration, trying to make use of `await` instantly inside a module’s high degree in an older browser or Node.js model will set off this error. A workaround entails wrapping the code inside an instantly invoked async operate expression.
Assist for this performance simplifies asynchronous code on the high degree of modules, eradicating the necessity for instantly invoked async capabilities. This results in cleaner and extra readable code, notably when coping with module initialization involving asynchronous operations like fetching sources or establishing connections. The historic context entails the evolution of JavaScript’s asynchronous dealing with; older variations lacked this function, requiring extra complicated workarounds. Fashionable environments embracing the most recent JavaScript requirements typically present this functionality.