If you're a Nuxt.js developer, you might have encountered the following warning: [Vue Router warn]: No match found for location with path "/asset-manifest.json". This error can be perplexing, especially if you're not sure what asset-manifest.json is or why Nuxt.js is looking for it. Fortunately, solving this issue is straightforward. In this article, I'll walk you through the steps to understand and resolve this error.

Understanding the Error

The warning [Vue Router warn]: No match found for location with path "/asset-manifest.json" typically appears when Vue Router, used by Nuxt.js for client-side routing, tries to match a path that does not exist in your defined routes. The path /asset-manifest.json is often associated with service workers or progressive web apps (PWAs) that rely on a manifest file to manage application assets.

Why This Error Occurs

In Nuxt.js, routes are automatically generated based on the pages directory. However, if a request is made to a path like /asset-manifest.json and there is no corresponding file or route, Vue Router throws a warning because it cannot find a match. This can happen if:

1. Service Worker Configuration: Your PWA configuration expects an asset-manifest.json file.
2. Third-Party Scripts: Some third-party libraries or scripts might be trying to access this file.
3. Legacy Code: You might have legacy code or settings from a previous project configuration that expects this file.

Solution: Adding asset-manifest.json to the Public Folder

The quickest and most effective way to resolve this warning is to create an asset-manifest.json file and place it in the public folder of your Nuxt.js project. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create the Public Folder (if it doesn't exist)

If you don't already have a public folder in your project root, create one. This folder is used to serve static files.

mkdir public

Step 2: Create the asset-manifest.json File

Inside the public folder, create a file named asset-manifest.json.

touch public/asset-manifest.json

Step 3: Add Content to asset-manifest.json

Open the asset-manifest.json file in your preferred code editor and add the following content. This is a basic structure, and you can customize it based on your project needs.

{
  "files": {
    "main.js": "/_nuxt/main.js",
    "main.css": "/_nuxt/main.css"
  },
  "entrypoints": ["main.js", "main.css"]
}

you may also keep the json empty : {}

While adding the asset-manifest.json file resolves the immediate issue, it’s also important to consider why this request is being made in the first place. Here are a few additional steps you might take:

1. Review PWA Configuration: If you are building a PWA, ensure that your service worker and manifest configurations are correct.
2. Check Third-Party Libraries: Identify any third-party scripts or libraries that might be making requests to asset-manifest.json and configure them appropriately.

Feel free to share your experiences or ask any questions related to this topic in the comments below. Let's continue to build great applications together!