How can I quickly make sense of a confusing codebase?

One solid approach is to read through the code while summarizing it as you go. Start at the logical entry point, and follow the execution path. It might seem boring and slow, but this method really helps you get a grasp on what the code does, and you’ll have notes to refer back to later if needed.

Another way to dive in is to try fixing a bug or adding a small feature. This hands-on approach gives you practical experience with how the code works.

This might be a perfect use case for using a language model. While I know some people are skeptical about them, plugging your codebase into a good LLM can actually give you insights into what's happening in the code if you ask it the right questions.

It really depends on the codebase, but looking for comments or the most frequently used functions and methods can be a good start. Also, jot down what you learn along the way so you don’t forget it!

Don’t underestimate the power of debugging. It can help you understand how the code executes in real time and reveal connections you might miss just by reading.