Code understanding, reverse engineering, best concepts and tools. Java

Question

One of most demanding tasks for any programmer, architect is understanding other\'s code.

For example, I am contractor, hired to rescue some project very quickly. F

Answer 1

Just to elaborate on Michaels mentioning of good IDE's which can help you:

I use the following Eclipse facilities a lot:

• Shift-F2 when the cursor is placed in an identifier brings up the Javadoc for that identifier, if any. Good for navigating.
• Hovering the mouse over an identifier brings up a box with the Javadoc in it, if any. Good for reminding when writing e.g. a method call.
• The Declaration view shows the source where the keyword where the cursor is placed, is defined. This is updated when the cursor moved.
• F3 goes to the definition of the current identifier.
• Ctrl-T on an identifier shows all subclasses and implementations in a popup. Very useful when working on interfaces.
• F4 on an identifier brings up the implementation hierarchy of that identifier in a panel, which can be navigated. Very useful to learn how things are connected. This includes both classes and interfaces.