Encountering the "Cannot read properties of undefined" error in JavaScript is akin to expecting a slice of cake at a buffet only to find an empty spot, but unlike a missing dessert, this error can be resolved. This error occurs when a variable or object is used without being properly initialized, leading JavaScript to attempt accessing a property that doesn’t exist. To prevent this issue, developers can ensure objects exist before accessing their properties, use optional chaining to safely navigate nested properties, and provide default values using the OR operator or nullish coalescing operator. Examples illustrate how declaring and initializing variables correctly, using conditional checks, and employing try-catch blocks can prevent these errors, while tools like Rollbar can aid in tracking and managing errors in real-time to ease the deployment of production code.