How to Resolve the 'Source Not Found' Error When Debugging Java Code in Eclipse

What should I do if I encounter a 'Source Not Found' error while debugging Java in Eclipse?

Encountering the error message 'Source Not Found' in Eclipse during Java debugging is a common issue that occurs when the debugger cannot locate the source code files associated with a particular class. This typically happens when the Java code being executed lacks the necessary source attachments, or when you're attempting to debug code that has been modified or that is not part of the current project's build path.

Causes

• The source code is not attached to the JAR file or library being used.
• You're trying to debug a class that is part of an external library, but the source code is not available in your workspace.
• The project's build path is misconfigured or missing references to source files.

Solutions

• Ensure that the source code is correctly attached to any external libraries by navigating to the JAR or library in the project properties and adding the source attachment.
• If you're debugging an external library, download its source code and attach it in Eclipse via the build path settings.
• Check your project's build path configurations (right-click on the project > Build Path > Configure Build Path) to ensure correct references to necessary source files.

Mistake: Not having the correct JDK or runtime environment configured in Eclipse.

Solution: Ensure that the installed JDK matches the version required for your project.

Mistake: Modifying the source files without refreshing the project.

Solution: Always refresh your project (right-click on the project > Refresh) after making changes to source files.