| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Goal | Ship a minor feature using the ramp-up technique |
| Duration | 4-8 hours |
Not only is the 12 Factor App an excellent resource for conceptualizing modern apps, but it can also help map out your understanding of a codebase. For example, you can use the "backing service" concept to understand the boundaries of the codebase and the required services for it to run.
Another method to quickly understand what is going on in a codebase is to use the C4 modeling technique. This allows you to understand the full context of a software system.
Use the following steps to help you progress through the exercise (use your best judgment, these are not precise steps):
- Find a minor feature that you can work on and complete in less than a day
- Use the C4 modeling technique to understand your code in the system.
- Gain an understanding of code adjacent to the feature you're creating.
- Create the feature (don't forget to use TDD).
- Make sure that other parts of the system weren't negatively impacted.
- Share the results with your mentor.
Use these questions to guide your curiosity during the exercise:
- What is C4 modeling?
- How can you increase your confidence that your code didn't break other parts of the system?
Use the following questions to reflect on what you learned with this exercise and discuss with your mentor:
- What surprised you about this exercise?
- If you were to mentor someone in the future, what highlights would you make sure they captured from this exercise?
- What would be your next step? What resources can support you in this next step?
- When you connect with your mentor after this next step, what do you hope to share with them? To celebrate?