Methodology

Clean-Room Documentation

Cadela's clean-room documentation workflow helps you understand code you are allowed to inspect — and produce original documentation — without reproducing proprietary content.

What it is

A structured process for turning source code access into original understanding — architecture maps, behavior descriptions, dependency graphs, edge-case catalogs, and implementation plans — without carrying over a single line of proprietary code.

Architecture summariesHigh-level system maps: layers, modules, data flow, and component boundaries.

File purpose docsWhat each file does, what it depends on, and what depends on it — in your own words.

Behavior descriptionsObservable behavior: inputs, outputs, side effects, error states, and edge cases.

Implementation plansOriginal architecture and test strategies that could guide a clean reimplementation.

The process

5-step pipeline

From raw source access to clean, original documentation — each step produces a specific artifact.

Source review

Inspect file organization, module boundaries, dependency graph, and entry points.

Mirrored docs

Create parallel docs that mirror the source layout — purpose and behavior, not implementation.

Architecture map

Describe layers, data flow, key algorithms, and design patterns in original terms.

Behavior notes

Document observable behavior: inputs, outputs, side effects, error states, edge cases.

Implementation plan

Produce an original plan with architecture, data model, component map, and test strategy.

When to use it

Purchased codeYou bought a codebase and need to understand its architecture before extending or integrating it.

Inherited systemsYou inherited undocumented code and need to produce maintainable documentation for your team.

Migration planningYou need to understand a system well enough to plan a migration or rewrite without copying its code.

Security reviewYou need to audit a codebase for vulnerabilities while generating clean review documentation.

Safety boundaries

These lines are never crossed. The clean-room workflow is about understanding, not reproduction.

✗ No code copyingNever copy proprietary code into documentation. Describe, don't quote.

✗ No line-for-line reproductionNever reproduce unique implementation details. Capture intent, not expression.

✗ No license bypassNever suggest or facilitate circumventing software licenses or terms of use.

✗ No derived sourceNever distribute modified versions of proprietary source code.