using await on global scope without async keyword

Question

I am trying to do something like this on global scope in nodejs REPL. As per my understanding both the following statements are valid. see docs

let x = await Promise.resolve(2);
let y = await 2;

However, both these statements are throwing an error.

Can somebody explain why? my node version is v8.9.4

Answer 1

Update

When using Node, the file currently must have an .mjs extension to work.

Top level awaits can be used in browser modules. When used the script tag must include the type attribute which must be set to module:

<script src="/script.js" type="module"></script>

const start = Date.now()

console.log('Pre call.')
await delayedCall()
console.log('Duration:', Date.now() - start)

function delayedCall() {
  return new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(() => resolve(), 2000))
}

• Working Node Example -- Run node ./index.mjs in the terminal.
• Working Browser Example
• Supported Versions

Old Answer

await can only be used within a function that is labeled async, so there are two ways you can approach this.

Note: There is a proposal in place that may eventually allow the usage of Top level await calls.

The first way is to create a self invoked function like this:

(async function() {
  let x = await Promise.resolve(2)
  let y = await 2
  
  console.log(x, y)
})()

Or the second way is to use .then()

Promise.resolve(2).then(async data => {
  let x = data
  let y = await 2

  console.log(x, y)
})

Answer 2

This proposal is currently in stage 3 of the TC39 process. LINK

You can use this feature in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox as of now. You can use top level await without async in console.

https://twitter.com/addyosmani/status/1080365576218759168

Answer 3

As of version 13.3, Node.js support Top-level await.

Top-level await means you can now use await operator outside an async function. So both examples are correct:

(async function() {

  await Promise.resolve(console.log('Hello await!'));

}());

// or

await Promise.resolve(console.log('Hello await!'));

Note: Top-level await only works at the top level of modules. There is no support for classic scripts or non-async functions.

Just keep in mind, that the await operator is used to wait for a Promise. It does NOT matter if you are using an await operator with a value other than a Promise. For example, the name variable in the displayName()` function:

async function displayName() {

  const name = await 'unclexo';

  console.log(name);
}

displayName(); // outputs 'unclexo'

As the value of the name variable is not a Promise, it converts the value to a resolved Promise, and waits for it. It happens under the hood.

The old behavior

MDN doc says

The await operator is used to wait for a Promise. It can only be used inside an async function.