The best way to familiarize yourself with an inherited codebase

Question

Stacker Nobody asked about the most shocking thing new programmers find as they enter the field.

Very high on the list, is the impact of inheriting a codebase with which

Answer 1

Pencil & Notebook ( don't get distracted trying to create a unrequested solution)

• Make notes as you go and take an hour every monday to read thru and arrange the notes from previous weeks

• with large codebases first impressions can be deceiving and issues tend to rearrange themselves rapidly while you are familiarizing yourself.

• Remember the issues from your last work environment aren't necessarily valid or germane in your new environment. Beware of preconceived notions.

• The notes/observations you make will help you learn quickly what questions to ask and of whom. Hopefully you've been gathering the names of all the official (and unofficial) stakeholders.