Source maps are files that provide a mapping between the minified or transpiled code (such as JavaScript, CSS, or HTML) and the original source code. They are used primarily in the development process to debug and troubleshoot code.
When developers write code in languages like JavaScript or CSS, they often use tools or preprocessors that minify or transpile the code to make it more optimized for production. However, this process can make it challenging to debug issues because the code being executed in the browser is different from the original source code.
Source maps solve this problem by providing a mapping between the minified code and the original code. They allow developers to view and debug the original source code directly in the browser's developer tools, even though the code running in the browser is minified or transpiled.
The source map file is typically generated during the build process, along with the minified or transpiled code. It contains information such as the original file names, line numbers, and column positions. When an error or exception occurs in the browser, the source map is used to map the minified code back to the corresponding location in the original source code, making it easier to identify and fix the issue.
Source maps are commonly used in web development workflows, especially when working with languages like JavaScript and CSS that undergo transformations before being deployed to production. They enhance the developer experience by enabling efficient debugging and improving productivity during the development and maintenance phases of a project.
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