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How to Use the jq Module System with -L and --library-path: Complete Guide

April 11, 2026 jqlang/jq ↗

The jq module system lets you split programs into reusable .jq files imported via import or include, while the -L (or --library-path) command-line option prepends custom directories to the module search chain, checked before built-in defaults like ~/.jq and $ORIGIN/../lib/jq.

jq includes a built-in module system that enables you to organize complex JSON processing logic into reusable components. Understanding how the jq module system with -L --library-path configures module discovery is essential for managing

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