How Do You Remember How a Complex System Works?

Question

I&rsquo;ve been on the same team for a few years now, and I&rsquo;ve contributed all over the project, but I still struggle to explain how things work in parts I haven&rsquo;t touched recently. I can work on them, but I always need time to refresh myself and I struggle to give good answers about them until I&rsquo;ve started working.A senior colleague of mine is the go to guy all over the company because he remembers and understands everything on the fly. I asked him how he does it and he says it&rsquo;s just natural.Is there anything I can learn or study to retain knowledge about our very complex system so that I can answer questions more readily and be productive faster?Are there any books on the subject?

kstenerud · Accepted Answer

Take notes. Draw up an overview architectural diagram.
Divide your notes into major sections for each area of the project and use it to jot down weird and interesting bits as you encounter them.
This not only gives you a handy reference so that you're not relearning the same stuff all the time, but writing things down gives your memories more resilience, so you'll remember more on the spot.

yuppie_scum · Answer

Documentation. You can only keep so much in your head at any time. Get the rest down in a wiki or similar.