The working loop
Orient in an unfamiliar codebase
Find the execution path before asking for edits.
Understand the problem
Read the entrypoint, data contracts, adjacent tests, and one representative request path. Identify the smallest place a change belongs. Record assumptions about state and side effects.
Make it concrete
For a failing checkout, trace controller → service → gateway adapter before rewriting the controller.
Trade-offs and pitfalls
Broad context collection consumes time; focus on the requested behavior.
Check your understanding
Map one feature from user input to persistent state.
Practice this topic