Map a codebase file by file with short method notes

A commenter had Claude Code summarize each file’s unusual methods so they could keep track of a project they were steadily revising.

Done with Claude Code· Intermediate· Aug 2026

What they did
They used Claude Code while reworking their own older projects and making small updates over time. For each file, they asked for a brief summary plus the less obvious methods or assumptions, then reread those notes and tightened any explanations that felt unclear.
How it went
They said the summaries helped them hold the structure of the codebase in mind and see how it fit together. It was still incomplete, since they continued to lose track of some pieces.
Tips
This seemed to work best because the code started as their own and most of the original logic stayed in place. It also helped to review the summaries more than once and correct any muddy sections.

Try it yourself with Claude Code

I’m working in [project folder]. Go through the files one at a time and create a short section for each file that explains what it does, with extra attention to any non-obvious methods, assumptions, or tricks. Put everything into [output filename], but do not edit any code. After you finish, pause and ask me to confirm before you do anything that would change, submit, send, delete, or overwrite files. Then list the three places you’re least confident about so I can check them.

Fill in the [brackets]. Agents can make mistakes, so review anything before it is sent, paid or deleted.

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