Reading code is as important as writing it

When you are starting to learn programming, reading code can be an intimidating. You open a file, see dozens of functions, and instantly get lost. But learning to read code well is just as important as writing it. I have a few actionable tips to get started with reading code

• Make a mental map of the functions:

  • When your going through the code always try a high level outline of the file and then build on that towards. Like for example, start at the top of the file and go through the functions clicking on them to go towards the source code

• Run the code through a debugger :

  • One of the underrated ways to understand a codebase is to run the code that you are reading through a debugger. Attach a breakpoint and the simulate running the code, you will understand the flow of the code extremely well.

• Start from the test cases:

  • If the project has test cases, that’s your entry point. Run them and watch what happens.

    • What objects are being created?

    • Which functions are called first?

    • What files are imported?

Learning to read code well takes time. You won’t understand everything the first time and that’s okay. But if you repeat this process across 3/4 small projects, your brain starts to see code structure naturally.