sourceType

SourceType is a label or attribute used in computing to indicate the origin or provenance of a data item or input within a system. The precise meaning of sourceType depends on context, but it generally serves to differentiate data sources to guide processing, validation, and routing.

In data integration and ETL workflows, sourceType classifies inputs such as database, file, API, stream, or sensor. This categorization informs extraction logic, schema handling, incremental loading, and error handling. When sourceType is recorded alongside data, it also supports lineage tracking and governance.

In software configuration and APIs, a parameter named sourceType is commonly used to select behavior or parsing rules. For example, a data ingestion service might switch between parsers based on sourceType (database, CSV file, JSON API) or a messaging component might route messages by sourceType.

In logging, analytics, and monitoring, sourceType helps analysts distinguish events by origin, such as "system", "application", "user", or "external". This categorization enhances filtering, access control, and auditing.

In other domains, sourceType appears in geospatial data, media handling, and content management to indicate whether data comes from internal assets, external services, or third-party providers. Despite its usefulness, sourceType is not standardized; definitions and allowed values are defined by the specific system or project.

Best practices include documenting the expected sourceType values, using a fixed set of enumerations, validating inputs, and ensuring consistent naming across components to improve interoperability and data quality.