Imagine discovering an ancient city, its paths and alleys winding, its structures fascinating, and its history a mystery. You are here by your own accord, but your guides have disappeared. You have no map. You know where you need to go but have no idea how to get there. It is intriguing, and you take your first steps into the city. >Now, replace the city with a vast, complex PHP codebase you have never seen. The excitement, curiosity, and intricate puzzles remain the same. For developers, this happens all of the time. Whenever any of us get a new codebase, no matter how well the codebase is “documented”, there are always questions. No matter how many coworkers you have, the codebase hides secrets that you must suss out. >Welcome to the world of Software Archeology—a practice that marries exploration, detective work, and technical prowess.
by Chris Tankersley