Are there any essential steps to a successful deep reading of a software project source code? How can one maximize efficiency while studying it? What tools and techniques are available to facilitate understanding of the project?

Developer’s ability to read and understand software project source code can be crucial for project performance and delivery. A research conducted by Microsoft showed, that as much as 90% of programmer’s time is spent reading source code. Common programming language complexities (understood by an experienced developer) can contribute to a software project’s fragility, loss of readability and consequent losses of time due to ineffective problem solving by new team members.

In this article You will learn how to examine and analyze software projects source codes in an effective manner: identify weaknesses, as well as effective ways to create a comprehensive overview of the project structure. Further, it will provide you with best practices for directed reading and analysis of source code, and tips on tools and techniques that can assist in this process.

Lastly, this article will explain which factors need to be taken into consideration in order to generate a useful report on the project state. It will also analyze the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches for source code inspection, to assist in recommending the most appropriate approach.

Definitions:

Software Project Source Code: Computer code or commands written in a programming language which explain to computer how to perform a specific task or project.
Large Software Project: A software project which typically has multiple related components and multiple programming or script languages (such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, etc).
Reading Source Code: Carefully examining each individual line of source code to understand how the code is structured and what it is doing.
Studying Source Code: In depth research running off the source code from the initial reading to gain a thorough understanding of the project’s functionlity and goals.
Non Technical Readers: Anyone who does not have detailed expertise in a particular programming language, and likely will not understand a line of single source code.

Understanding the Structure of a Software Project

Determine a Starting Point

When beginning a large software project, the most important step is to decide on a starting point. It is best to take a look at the codebase’s architecture, which includes a high-level overview of the codebase’s structure and any functionality that it provides. It is essential to understand the project’s underlying design before diving into its nitty-gritty details. Additionally, it is important to assess the current state of the codebase to ensure that it meets any standards or expectations set forth for the project.
Once a high-level understanding of the codebase is developed, it is time to dive into the code. To begin:

• Familiarize yourself with the language and architecture used.
• Learn any existing idiosyncratic coding practices used by the coders.
• Get the lay of the land by looking at the overall code structure.
• Identify common areas of functionality.

Drill Down into Specific Areas of the Codebase

After establishing an entry point into source code, you can start to drill down into the codebase by beginning to look at specific areas of the code. Once you’ve identified an area of interest, it may be helpful to refactor the code to make it easier to manage. Furthermore, when starting to refactor the codebase, it is important to ensure that existing conventions are maintained.
Next, explore existing codebase tests to identify errors or code inefficiencies. Once errors have been identified, new tests should be written to ensure any new code works properly and that any code with errors is identified and corrected as quickly as possible. Additionally, familiarize yourself with any coding standards applicable to the codebase, as these are often used to make code easier to read and maintain in the future. When coding in an existing codebase, you should always strive to abide by the pre-established conventions used by the authors of the code.
Once the codebase has been understood, identify any potential additions or improvements that can be made to make the codebase more efficient or even extend its features. Additionally, ensure that any changes made are properly commented so that other developers can follow along and understand the changes or additions you’ve added. Lastly, be sure to keep track of any changes that you make as you go and make sure to document any issues that you find. Keeping well-organized notes will make understanding the codebase much easier in the future.

Organizing Your Study Routine

Establishing the Goal

Studying a large software project source code requires an organized plan to maximize understanding and keep track of progress. Knowing what the code is intended to do, what programming language is used, and the basic components of the project are all necessary information for mapping out the plan. Understanding how the code works together, along with identifying any existing errors and potential roadblocks requires an approach that will organize the source code into understandable chunks. Before jumping into the code, establish a goal or project to work towards, such as completing a feature or finding and fixing a bug.

Creating a Study System

Having a reliable system in place to keep track of progress and notes will make the studying process much easier. Designate a place to write down notes, whether its on paper or a computer. Divide the project into smaller, manageable sections, then break down tasks associated with studying each of those sections. It’s easier to digest the source code if it’s presented to you line by line, with explanations for each part. It may help to separate the code into categories such as external libraries, data structures, algorithms, and interactive components, then prioritize these sections for study.
The best way to make steady progress and understand the source code is by actively interacting with it. It’s important to experiment with the code to simulate how it will act and interact with other parts of the project. Use test-driven development to work through the source code by designing tests and gradually implementing the changes to meet those tests. Executing the code line-by-line and using debugging tools will help to uncover any errors and get a better sense of how the code functions.
Finally, it’s important to remember that reading and understanding a large software source code project is an iterative process. Expect to go back and review sections of the code once understanding has been reached. Use the established system to persist progress, take frequent and detailed notes, and constantly review changes that are made to the code.

Prioritizing Components of the Source Code

When studying a large source code project, it is important to prioritize the components of the project in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various functions and organization of the project. Understanding the relationships between the components is key to a successful project. With this in mind, this article will discuss various strategies for reading and studying a large source code project.

Learn the High-level Overview

The first step in reading and studying a large source code project is to gain an understanding of the high-level overview. This includes information regarding the overall project, structure of the code, overall architecture or design, and tools and frameworks used. It is helpful to ask questions such as “What is the purpose of the project?”, “What libraries and frameworks are used?”, and “What do I need to know to understand how this code works?” By gathering this information, one can better determine how to prioritize which components of the project need to be studied or worked on further.

Dive Into Details

Once the high-level overview is understood, one can then dive into the details. This means taking a deeper look into the various components of the project and understanding how they fit together. It may be helpful to break the project into groups of components according to their functionality. A helpful way to do this is to create a map of each component, detailing their relationships and dependencies. Additionally, it is beneficial to actually try to run the code and follow the logical flow of how the components work together. Having an idea of how the project works overall will help a better understanding of the complexities of the source code.
Additionally, it is important to understand the language and syntax used. Performing online research, and reading community forums and documentation can assist in understanding any language-specific intricacies. A thorough understanding of the language used is essential for being able to read and understand the source code.
By employing these strategies, one can better grasp the project as a whole. This understanding will help inform decisions regarding the priority of components and ultimately help produce better quality code.

Conclusion

Reading and studying a large software project source code can be a daunting task, especially for a novice programmer. What resources can one use to make this process more manageable and comprehensible?
Although tackling a large project can be a challenge, there are many strategies to make it manageable. Following a blog outlining advice on how to read and study a large project source code can be a great resource for newcomers. Stay up to date with new releases and tips by subscribing to the blog.
FAQs
Q: How can I stay organized when reading and studying a large software project source code?
A: Break down the project into manageable chunks and focus on one task at a time. Structure your work into a schedule or timeline that allows you to track your progress. Additionally, look for ways to optimize your workflow and plan ahead of time what tasks need to be completed.

Q: What resources are available to help me read and study a large software project source code?
A: Join software development forums and educational sites to network with experienced developers who can offer insight and guidance. Additionally, find and follow a blog that specializes in software project development and provide insight into navigating a source code.

Q: What techniques can I use to better understand a large project source code?
A: Familiarize yourself with concepts such as modular programming, object-oriented designs, and design pattern. Additionally, create diagrams and flowcharts to help visualize the structure of the code. By breaking down the problem into smaller components, it is easier to gain a better understanding of the whole project.

Q: How can I quickly address any problems I come across while studying a large software project source code?
A: Utilize online forums to ask questions and search for solutions. Additionally, leverage documentations, user manuals, and any other available resources that can help solve problems quickly. If all efforts fail, do not hesitate to reach out to the developers of the project for assistance.

Q: What is the best way to ensure I am making progress when reading and studying source code?
A: Develop a timeline and break down tasks into smaller objectives such as understanding the core elements and architecture of the project. Additionally, set milestones to measure your progress and keep track of any challenges that you come across. Most importantly, stay motivated and practice every day.