Document existing software

When taking over older software, clear explanations are often scarce. Module-by-module drafts give you a starting point to check against the code.

Tool used in the example

Claude Code

Reads the existing Java code and drafts explanations for expert review.

Reported by
Aburok
Published on
aburok.de
Source reviewed

The documented use case

Explain modules of an older Java application and review draft documentation.

Workflow from the source

  1. Source code
  2. draft documentation
  3. expert review

Editorial summary of the source.

What the source shows

Aburok reports module-by-module drafts followed by corrections.

What remains open

Anonymous client project; statements need checking against the code.

OUR ASSESSMENT

Who could this suit?

You are taking over an established application and need reliable orientation.

Prerequisites

Repository access and knowledge of the application.

Your checkpoint

Verify technical statements, add business context and maintain documentation as code changes.

Effort and data

Development skills

Check model access, data processing and maintenance needs for your setup. Complete operating costs remain open in the source.

A closer look at the example

Fictional example for illustration

What goes in

An older module calculates shipping costs. Source code and tests exist, but readable documentation is scarce.

What it could look like

Draft outline: inputs · calculation rules · dependencies · edge cases. Review each statement against code and tests.

Understand the tool

Access, costs and availability in Europe

Claude Code
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