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In his talk "Deep diving: how to explore a new code base" at RubyDay 2015, Christophe Philemotte emphasizes the importance of efficient code exploration, which he likens to scuba diving. He points out that while writing code is essential, reading and understanding code constitutes around 85% of development activities, increasing to about 95% for newcomers. To effectively navigate a new codebase, he presents a structured approach:

- **Define a Clear Goal**: Establish a specific, reasonable aim such as fixing a bug, implementing a feature, or writing documentation. This goal helps focus your exploration.

- **Create a Map**: Familiarize yourself with the project's structure, including its README files and contribution guidelines. These will provide essential context and resources.

- **Choose the Right Tools**: Set up your development environment with suitable tools and dependencies to facilitate navigation and interaction with the code.

- **Iterate and Learn**: Read the codebase in alignment with your goal, gradually expanding your understanding as you make changes or fixes.

A significant example presented is Philemotte’s investigation into a bug in the OpenURI module, where he used the TracePoint API to track method calls effectively, allowing him to identify where the bug was located in just a couple of hours of focused work.

He emphasizes the necessity of collaboration and documentation, urging developers to ask for help when stuck and to document their findings for future contributors. The session illustrates that diving into a codebase without preparation can lead to confusion, just as diving into water without planning can pose risks.

Philemotte concludes by reasserting that successful code exploration involves setting clear objectives, employing helpful resources and tools, and engaging in continuous learning, encouraging developers to adopt this structured approach for lasting productivity.

Overall, the talk provides a strategic framework that helps developers more effectively manage the complexities of new codebases while also stressing the significance of understanding and reading code over merely writing it.

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