codebase-exploration

To map codebase architecture, you systematically traverse project directories top-down to identify modules, document dependencies, and generate a structural model. This creates an interaction diagram showing how different components relate to each other.

The best way to explore a large codebase is through systematic top-down traversal that identifies architectural patterns and documents module relationships. This approach synthesizes knowledge into a clear mental model of how the software is organized.

Yes, you can generate ASCII diagrams of codebase dependencies by applying deterministic traversal rules to your project structure. The resulting visual maps document data flow, API contracts, and inheritance relationships across modules.

Codebase exploration works with software projects of varying languages and architectures. It systematically traverses project structure regardless of the programming language to map dependencies and build an architectural model.

To document codebase architecture as a living model, you generate persistent CLAUDE.md documentation during exploration. This records module dependencies, data flow, and architectural patterns, creating a reference that reflects the current codebase state.

Automated codebase exploration relies on deterministic traversal, so it may not capture implicit runtime relationships or dynamic loading patterns not visible in the static project structure. It focuses on mapping explicit module dependencies and architectural conventions.