1.1 First Things First

1.1 First Things First

Let's start with the basics of what to do when you're presented with someone else's code to maintain:

Don't panic!

First, you have a strategic decision to make: Do you want this responsibility or not? Your best if not only chance to reject this assignment—if that is an option at all—with any semblance of honor may be right at the outset, even though you have nowhere near enough information to tell you how arduous it will turn out to be. If you can, stall for time so you can find out more about what this project entails.

Let's assume that you've decided that the best thing you can do for your career right now is to take over this code (even if you think you have no choice in the matter, this is a much more empowering way to view it). Your first duty is:

Find the author!

Only superhuman developers will have left you so many resources for maintaining this code that your job won't be massively eased by personal contact with them. Even if they're in the process of cleaning out their desk while a security guard hovers impatiently nearby, track them down now and ask them:

• Did anyone else work on this code? Who?

• Are there any other files or data that weren't given to you that would be useful?

• Are there any documentation, engineering notebooks, or Post-it^® notes stuck to the monitor that pertain to the project? The programmer may be in the process of round-filing them as you speak.

If the developer is not on the verge of being ejected involuntarily from the premises,^[1] find out whether they have any time to work with you on taking over this project. Tell your supervisor that "pair programming" is a good thing according to the popular Extreme Programming methodology^[2] and this is a golden opportunity to try it out. If all else fails, consider buying the former developer lunch for a week out of your own money. You'll still end up so far ahead of the game with what you learn from them that you'll make it back in compensation or kudos. However, the developer will probably spend some time with you for nothing if you tell them you want their help in learning how they created their code; most people are touched by such flattery.

^[1] And if they are, take any advice they give you with a grain of salt—the welfare of the company you now represent to them may not be uppermost on their mind.

^[2] It really is. See [BECK00].