The RAMP Method
The RAMP Method is a framework for fast developer onboarding. It provides a structured, repeatable approach to understanding any codebase, team, or technology.
The Framework
| Step | Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| R | Recognize | Scan and identify patterns in the codebase |
| A | Ask | Ask questions early and often |
| M | Map | Build mental models of the architecture |
| P | Practice | Learn by doing with guided feedback |
Quick Overview
R — Recognize
Before diving deep, scan the codebase to recognize patterns:
- Folder structure and organization
- Naming conventions
- Common patterns (MVC, services, hooks)
- Technology choices
Goal: Build a high-level mental map before going deep.
A — Ask
Ask questions early and often. Don't struggle in silence.
- Use Ramp's voice mode for instant answers
- Ask teammates for context
- Question assumptions
Goal: Get context that isn't in the code.
M — Map
Create mental (or actual) diagrams of the system:
- Component relationships
- Data flows
- Request lifecycles
- Dependency graphs
Goal: Understand how parts connect.
P — Practice
Learning happens through doing:
- Complete small tasks
- Make mistakes safely
- Get feedback
- Iterate
Goal: Build muscle memory and confidence.
Why It Works
The RAMP Method works because it:
- Starts broad, goes deep — You can't understand details without context
- Reduces friction — Asking questions is built into the process
- Creates artifacts — Maps and diagrams persist as reference
- Emphasizes action — Practice beats reading
RAMP Method vs. Traditional Onboarding
| Traditional | RAMP Method |
|---|---|
| Read docs for days | Scan for patterns, then dive in |
| Struggle alone | Ask immediately |
| Rely on memory | Create maps and diagrams |
| Wait for "perfect" understanding | Practice early |
Applying the RAMP Method
New Job (Week 1)
| Day | R | A | M | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Scan repo structure | Ask about dev setup | Sketch team structure | Get app running |
| Day 2-3 | Identify core patterns | Ask about architecture | Map main data flows | Make first commit |
| Day 4-5 | Recognize conventions | Ask about "good first issues" | Map one feature end-to-end | Ship first task |
New Codebase (Week 1)
- Recognize (2 hours): Scan folder structure, identify entry points
- Ask (ongoing): Use Ramp to ask questions as you explore
- Map (2 hours): Diagram the main components and their relationships
- Practice (remainder): Start working on a real task
New Framework (Week 1)
- Recognize (1 hour): What are the core concepts? (components, hooks, etc.)
- Ask (ongoing): Use docs, tutorials, and Ramp
- Map (1 hour): How do the concepts relate?
- Practice (remainder): Build something real
Common Mistakes
Skipping Recognize
Diving straight into code without scanning is like navigating a city without a map. Spend 30 minutes recognizing patterns before going deep.
Not Asking
The biggest time waste in onboarding is struggling in silence. Ask after 30 minutes of being stuck, not 3 hours.
Skipping Map
Mental models fade. Draw diagrams. They're invaluable at month 3 when you've forgotten month 1.
Practicing Too Late
Don't wait until you "understand enough." Understanding comes from doing.
Using Ramp with the RAMP Method
Ramp was designed to support each step of the RAMP Method:
# RECOGNIZE — Explore the codebase structure
ramp explore
# ASK — Ask questions in natural language
ramp voice
> "How does authentication work?"
> "What's the pattern for adding new features?"
# MAP — Generate documentation
ramp guide
# PRACTICE — Get help while coding
ramp ask "What's the best way to implement X?"
Results
Teams using the RAMP Method report:
- 50% reduction in ramp-up time
- 80% fewer "interruption" questions to senior engineers
- Higher confidence in new contributors
- Better documentation as a byproduct
Learn Each Step in Depth
- R — Recognize: Scanning and Pattern Recognition
- A — Ask: Getting Help Without Friction
- M — Map: Building Mental Models
- P — Practice: Learning by Doing
Ready to apply the RAMP Method? Get started with Ramp →