[PLUG] Does anyone know of references that detail how to study Source Code?

[Jeff Moore]

>         I'm currently tasked with the job of learning how the
> internals (source code) 
> of two large programs work---namely <a 
> href="http://www.moodle.org">Moodle</a> and <a 
> href="http://www.civicspacelabs.org">Civicspace</a>, a derivative of
> <a 
> href="http://www.drupal.com">Drupal</a>. Although I know how to
> program at 
> least semi-competently, I have never really taken on the task of
> learning how 
> the internals of a large program work. 
> 
>         Does anyone here know of any good references (books, websites,
> etc) I can 
> look at that guide people in studying the source code of large
> programs? I'm 
> not sure this is the right place to be asking for this kind of help,
> but I've 
> tried google and have found nothing too useful.
> 
>         Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

One thing I would recommend would be to involve yourself in any
listserves or other devices that may get you in contact with the
specific development community. 
Just recently I got a bur in my saddle and wanted to change a piece of
software. First I went to their site and gathered as much info as
possible and then contacted the mailing list. To my surprise someone had
already proposed the changes I was thinking of and they were available
in the next release.
So get yourself as close to the central nerve as possible. This will
save you time in duplicated efforts and you will probably be able to
collaborate and help others. 
Hope this helps.