Navigating the Unknown: How to approach a new and unfamiliar codebase
If you’re anything like me, diving into a new and unfamiliar codebase can feel like being dropped into a dense forest without a map. Whether you’re joining a new team, taking over a project, or just exploring an open-source project, understanding its nature, purpose, and architecture is essential. Let me share how I tackle this challenge, while giving examples using C# and .NET projects. Lets dive into the process… Initial Assessment Before I dive headfirst into the code, I take a moment to understand the broader context. The first thing I do is find and read any available documentation.This can include README files, wikis, inline comments, and API documentation. These resources often provide invaluable insights into the project’s purpose, setup instructions, and usage. I always try to get a sense of the project’s primary objective —whether it’s a web application, a library, or a microservice— because understanding the scope helps in setting the right expectations. ...