Conversion of C++ based legacy program

[rgd]

Hi,

I have recently become very frustrated with software that has not installed properly that I need for work purposes (I use Linux for this work). So I am considering re-inventing the wheel, in a manner, to create my own software application that hopefully, one day, will just work. Fingers crossed!

I am a newby C++ programmer (more proficient in Python BTW) and I have a C++ - based application written in an older version of the C++ standard. It goes without saying that I have not managed to get this application to build! But I have all the source code and I am very keen to understand whats going on under the hood.

My question is more of a request for guidance on how best to approach understanding legacy C++ code. Are there any good ways to approach such a task or tools that can help me disentangle the source code?

My aim will be to bring the source code in-line with more modern versions of the C++ standard and/or make a Python port of it.

Any tips to get me started would be much appreciated!

Regards

[keskiverto]

It should be totally possible to build "legacy" C++ today. That is one of strong points of the language.

I need for work purposes

Then you cannot afford to write your own version.

Can you tell the name of the application? Is it open source?
Which Linux distro do you use?

What were the errors in the build?

[fewdiefie]

@rgd I don't know what you're talking about bruh

[deleted account xyzzy]

Modernizing legacy C++ code is not for the faint of heart, or someone who is not solidly grounded in the language and how each standard altered and augmented what the language can do.

It is not an experience to learn C++ from. Still is a very worthwhile goal to have after gaining knowledge and experience of mashing up code.