Software⏱️ 2 min read📅 2026-06-03

How to Fix: Webpack - Critical dependency: the request of a dependency is an expression

Webpack critical dependency warning solution

Quick Answer: To get rid of the warning, use a string literal instead of a variable for the request of the dependency.

Webpack's critical dependency warning occurs when it tries to resolve require calls statically, but the request for a dependency is an expression. This happens because Webpack uses variables or expressions in its dependencies, which makes it difficult for the bundler to determine what should be included in the final bundle.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • When you use a library that uses variables or expressions in its require calls, Webpack can't resolve the dependency statically.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Method 1: Using a Specific Version of the Library

  1. Step 1: Install a specific version of the library that doesn't use variables or expressions in its require calls.

Method 2: Using a Rollback to a Previous Version

  1. Step 1: Check the library's GitHub page for previous versions that don't use variables or expressions in their require calls.

✨ Wrapping Up

By following these steps, you can resolve the critical dependency warning and get rid of the warning messages in your Webpack project.

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