how do you read code?
russell: Reading code for large systems is rarely fun.  I usually start with a specific objective, a bug or feature, to teach myself the system.  I root around until I arrive at a solution.  The first bug is expensive, but they become cheaper as I learn.  I have tried systematic top to bottom examination, but I find my mind quickly turns to glue.Good tools are essential.  If you are programming Java, use eclipse.  I hated it for the first year, but now I tolerate it.  Whatever your language, use its IDE.  I am also partial to UltraEdit. Write some good tools.  I wrote a version of unix find for Windows among other things.If you want code that's fun to read try the Python Cookbook.  http://code.activestate.com/recipes/langs/python/ is a good resource.