Codebase Navigation

Before modifying unfamiliar code, build a mental model.

Exploration strategy:

• Start with entry points: main.py , init.py , index.ts , App.tsx .

• Follow imports to understand dependency structure.

• Find the data model first — it shapes everything else.

• Read tests: they document expected behavior better than comments.

• Check git log: recent commits explain why things are the way they are.

Efficient search:

• Use file pattern search (glob) to find files by name/extension.

• Use content search (grep) to find where a function/class is defined vs. called.

• Search for the error message text to find the source location directly.

Anti-patterns:

• Modifying code without reading it first.

• Assuming file structure from another codebase.

• Grepping without a clear hypothesis of what you are looking for.