sourcepath

Sourcepath is a term used in software development to denote a path or set of directories that contain the original source code for a program, library, or binary. It plays a supporting role in building, debugging, and navigating code by helping tools locate the exact files that correspond to compiled artifacts.

In debugging and development tools, the sourcepath enables meaningful error messages, stack traces, and breakpoints. If a compiled binary refers to source lines that are not located in the current working directory, a debugger or IDE can be configured with a sourcepath to point to the locations where the source files actually reside. When the correct sources are available, developers can step through code, view source, and set breakpoints with reference to the original files.

Different environments implement sourcepath in slightly different ways. In integrated development environments, the concept is often exposed as a “Source Path” or “Source Folders,” listing folders that contain the project’s source files. In debugging workflows, tools may offer commands to add directories to the search path or to map remote source locations to local ones (for example, substituting remote paths with local equivalents).

Context and terminology vary by language and toolchain. While some ecosystems use explicit sourcepath properties, others rely on conventional project structures (such as common src directories) or on explicit source attachment features. Regardless, the underlying purpose is the same: to enable accurate source lookup, debugging, and code navigation by associating binaries with their original source files.