---
title: "--import CLI flag (default)"
description: "Learn how to use the node --import CLI flag."
url: https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/javascript/guides/nuxt/install/cli-import/
---

# --import CLI flag (default) | Sentry for Nuxt

## [Understanding the `--import` CLI Flag](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/javascript/guides/nuxt/install/cli-import.md#understanding-the---import-cli-flag)

The [`--import` CLI flag](https://nodejs.org/api/cli.html#--importmodule) in Node is the default way in ESM to preload a specified module at startup. Setting this CLI flag is crucial for ensuring proper server-side initialization, as Sentry needs to be initialized before the application runs. This will register Sentry's [loader hook](https://nodejs.org/api/module.html#customization-hooks) and therefore enable proper instrumentation of ESM modules.

## [Scenarios where `--import` does not work](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/javascript/guides/nuxt/install/cli-import.md#scenarios-where---import-does-not-work)

* You're unable to add Node CLI flags or environment variables scoped to the function runtime, meaning these variables aren't applied in other scopes, such as build time.
* You don't know the path to the Nuxt server folder in the build output
* At this time, it isn't possible to properly configure `--import` in **Netlify**.
* At this time, it isn't possible to properly configure `--import` in **Vercel**.

If any of those points apply to you, you cannot use the `--import` flag to initialize Sentry on the server-side. Check out the guide for using [limited server tracing](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/javascript/guides/nuxt/install/limited-server-tracing.md) instead.

## [Initializing Sentry with `--import`](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/javascript/guides/nuxt/install/cli-import.md#initializing-sentry-with---import)

By default, the SDK will add the Sentry server config to the build output (typically, `.output/server/sentry.server.config.mjs` or `./.nuxt/dev/sentry.server.config.mjs` during development).

To find the exact path to the built Sentry server config file, enable `debug` mode in your Sentry configuration within `nuxt.config.ts`. Sentry will then print the exact path during the build process.

### [1. Adding `--import` to `node` command](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/javascript/guides/nuxt/install/cli-import.md#1-adding---import-to-node-command)

After building your Nuxt app with `nuxi build`, add the `--import` flag followed by the Sentry server config path to the `node` command. With the default Nitro Node preset, this typically looks like this:

```bash
node --import ./.output/server/sentry.server.config.mjs .output/server/index.mjs
```

Check the log at the very end of the console output after building the application. This will print the node command with the server entry path for your application (`node .output/server/index.mjs` with the Node preset). Make sure to update the paths accordingly, especially when using a different Nitro preset.

To make things easier, add a script in the `package.json`:

`package.json`

```json
{
  "scripts": {
    "start": "node --import ./.output/server/sentry.server.config.mjs .output/server/index.mjs"
  }
}
```

### [2. Adding `--import` flag in production](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/javascript/guides/nuxt/install/cli-import.md#2-adding---import-flag-in-production)

To be able to set up Sentry in production, the `--import` flag needs to be added wherever you run your application's production build output. Consult your hosting provider's documentation for specific implementation details. Most deployment platforms support this through two primary methods:

#### [Option 1: Direct CLI Flag](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/javascript/guides/nuxt/install/cli-import.md#option-1-direct-cli-flag)

```bash
node --import ./.output/server/sentry.server.config.mjs your-server-entry.mjs
```

#### [Option 2: Environment Variable](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/javascript/guides/nuxt/install/cli-import.md#option-2-environment-variable)

```bash
NODE_OPTIONS='--import .output/server/sentry.server.config.mjs'
```