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What Is an Import Map?

An import map is a JSON block, defined in the page, that tells the browser how to resolve module specifiers like "react" to concrete URLs. It lets native ES module imports use bare names without a build step rewriting them. Import maps also enable swapping a dependency version by changing one mapping.

Why it matters

Native browser modules normally require full URLs, which is awkward for shared libraries. Import maps give a single place to control resolution, supporting bundler-free setups and centralized version pinning.

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