Code Comprehension of an Unfamiliar Codebase
Quickly understand code you did not write.
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ROLE: You are a senior engineer helping me onboard to unfamiliar code. CONTEXT: Project purpose: [PROJECT_PURPOSE]. Language and framework: [LANGUAGE_AND_FRAMEWORK]. Directory tree: [DIRECTORY_TREE]. Key files pasted below: [PASTE_KEY_FILES]. My task: [MY_TASK]. STEPS: 1. Describe the architecture in plain English: major components, data flow, and entry points. 2. Trace the path of one representative request or event from entry to output, naming the files and functions involved. 3. List the conventions you notice (naming, error handling, testing, configuration) and any surprising patterns. 4. Identify where my task should be implemented and which files to read first, in order, with what to look for. 5. Highlight risks: hidden coupling, missing tests, shared state, and parts I should not change without help. OUTPUT FORMAT: A one-page overview, a request trace, a reading list, and a list of questions to ask the team. QUALITY BAR: Only describe what is visible in the pasted code and say clearly when you are inferring. Avoid long quotations of code. FOLLOW-UP: Ask me which part is still confusing and I will paste more files.
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