Reading code, especially code you didn’t write, is often harder than writing it.
Challenges in reading code include decoding decisions without context, uncertainty on what to focus on, unfamiliarity with naming conventions, and the inability to rewrite everything to match personal understanding.
Developing the skill to read code is crucial for bug fixes, adding new features, and code reviews on a team.
Improving code-reading skills requires tracing data flow, exploring open-source projects, asking 'why' about coding decisions, refactoring old code, and engaging in code reviews.
Being proficient at reading code involves asking the right questions, following the trail of logic, and maintaining curiosity.