JavaScript SyntaxError - Missing ] after element list

This JavaScript exception missing ] after element list occurs, It might be an error in array initialization syntax in code. Missing closing bracket (“]”) or a comma (“,”) also raises an error.

Message:

SyntaxError: missing ] after element list

Error Type:

SyntaxError

Cause of Error: Somewhere in the script, there is an error with the array initialization syntax. Missing closing bracket (“]”) or a comma (“,”) creates a problem.

Case 1: Missing Closing Bracket

Error Cause:

A common cause is simply forgetting to include the closing bracket at the end of an array literal.

Example:

const exampleArray = [1, 2, 3;

Output:

SyntaxError: Missing ] after element list

Resolution of Error:

Add the missing closing bracket.

const exampleArray = [1, 2, 3]; // Correct usage
console.log(exampleArray);

[ 1, 2, 3 ]

Case 2: Misplaced Closing Bracket

Error Cause:

Another cause is placing the closing bracket incorrectly, leading to a misinterpretation of the array literal.

Example:

const exampleArray = [1, 2, 3
console.log("This will cause an error.");
];

Output:

SyntaxError: Missing ] after element list

Resolution of Error:

Ensure that the closing bracket correctly matches the opening bracket and is in the correct position.

const exampleArray = [1, 2, 3]; // Correct usage
console.log(exampleArray);
console.log("This line is outside the array.");

[ 1, 2, 3 ]
This line is outside the array.

Case 3: Nested Arrays

Error Cause:

When defining nested arrays, a missing closing bracket in one of the arrays can cause this error.

Example:

const outerArray = [
    [1, 2, 3
    [4, 5, 6]
]; // Missing closing bracket for the inner array

Output:

SyntaxError: Missing ] after element list

Resolution of Error:

Ensure that all nested arrays have correctly balanced brackets.

const outerArray = [
    [1, 2, 3],
    [4, 5, 6]
]; // Correctly balanced brackets
console.log(outerArray);

[ [ 1, 2, 3 ], [ 4, 5, 6 ] ]