Source view in a viewer presents the value as the source language (usually AppleScript) would present it. This is particularly telling in cases where it can be contrasted with Best view. For example:

• In Best view, an object reference is an explorer view. In Source view, an object reference is the reference.
• In Best view, a list is shown as an explorer. In Source view, a list is delimited by curly braces.
• In Best view, a string is shown as the text of the string. In Source view, a string is delimited by quotation marks.