# How to Understand a Legacy Codebase Using AI Before Changing it > Source: > Published: 2026-08-21 17:19:14+00:00 # How to Understand a Legacy Codebase Using AI Before Changing it The first thing many engineers want to do when they inherit a legacy codebase is change it. And I understand the impulse. You open a class that's 1,500 lines long. There are database calls mixed with The first thing many engineers want to do when they inherit a legacy codebase is change it. And I understand the impulse. You open a class that's 1,500 lines long. There are database calls mixed with ## Key Takeaways - •The first thing many engineers want to do when they inherit a legacy codebase is change it - •This story was reported by **freeCodeCamp**, covering developments in the** tutorial**space. - •AI advancements continue to reshape industries — read the full article on freeCodeCamp for complete coverage. 📖 Continue reading the full article: [Read Full Article on freeCodeCamp →](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/understand-a-legacy-codebase-with-ai/)