How Can I Learn from Reading Other People’s Code?

You’ve got to run the code yourself to really grasp what it does. Experiencing it firsthand will clarify things way more than just reading.

Using tools like LLMs can be helpful too. You can create a detailed prompt to explain a code repository, focusing on the style and functionality as if you're taking over a project. However, be careful not to rely on AI too much, as it might hinder your own learning process!

You can't really master coding just by reading. It’s similar to learning an instrument; you need to practice for real! Build projects yourself and reference other code when you face challenges, and you'll start to understand why certain solutions work.

I recommend reading code that aligns with what you'll be working on soon. This way, you can apply what you learn right away. When you hit a wall understanding certain sections, break them down into smaller parts. Also, even if the logic eludes you, pay attention to how the code is organized, what functions are reusable, and the variable choices made—it's all valuable!

Your experience might vary, but I often find myself wondering 'how did they do that?' which pushes me to check their code. This curiosity becomes more frequent as you learn new concepts.

A lot of beginners try to understand the entire codebase at once, which can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. Instead, focus on smaller sections of the code and try to figure out what each part does before moving on. Think of it like skimming through chapters rather than dissecting every single line.