What could be causing the "Uncaught SyntaxError: Unexpected token '<'" error when trying to load the jQuery library in Webflow?

Published on
September 22, 2023

There are a few potential reasons why you may be encountering the "Uncaught SyntaxError: Unexpected token '<'" error when loading the jQuery library in Webflow. This error typically indicates that there is an issue with the way the library is being loaded or referenced in your code. Here are some possible causes and solutions:

  1. Incorrect file path: If the file path specified for the jQuery library is incorrect, the browser will not be able to locate and load the file properly. Double-check that the file path is accurate and that the file exists in the specified location.

  2. Syntax errors in your code: It's possible that there are syntax errors present in your code that are causing the browser to encounter unexpected characters or tokens. Carefully review your code for any typos, missing or misplaced characters, or incorrect syntax and correct them accordingly.

  3. Conflicting libraries or scripts: Another possible cause of this error is a conflict between different libraries or scripts that are being used on your website. This can happen when multiple libraries are trying to use the same symbol or code. Check if there are any conflicts between jQuery and other libraries or scripts on your site and resolve them by using no-conflict mode or using a different version of the library.

  4. Loading order: The order in which you load your scripts can also cause this error. If you are loading jQuery before other necessary dependencies, it may lead to issues. Make sure that the jQuery library is loaded before any other scripts that rely on it.

  5. CDN issues: If you are linking to the jQuery library using a Content Delivery Network (CDN), it's possible that there are issues with the CDN itself. Try using a different CDN or hosting the library locally to see if the issue persists.

In conclusion, the "Uncaught SyntaxError: Unexpected token '<'" error when loading the jQuery library in Webflow can be caused by incorrect file paths, syntax errors, conflicting libraries or scripts, loading order issues, or problems with the CDN. By identifying and addressing these potential causes, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully load the jQuery library in Webflow.