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jq --from-file Relative Paths and `$ORIGIN`: Module Resolution Explained

April 11, 2026 jqlang/jq ↗

When using jq --from-file, relative imports resolve against the filter file's directory (PROGRAM_ORIGIN), while $ORIGIN tokens in library search paths expand to the jq binary's directory (JQ_ORIGIN).

The jqlang/jq repository implements sophisticated path resolution for filter files loaded via --from-file that distinguishes between the location of the jq binary and the location of the filter script itself. Understanding how PROGRAM_ORIGIN and $ORIGIN interact ensures your modules load correctly regardless of where you invoke the command

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