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What's the best way for a new comer to learn a code base in an agile team?

It seems rude to derail from the code path concerning the current assignment while driving, to see what something does, or where a particular variable come from. Sure, the veterans can answer many questions. But due to the limitations of natural language, sometimes it may be easier to just trace and skim related code. Assuming that, how feasible is it to allow each team member a small amount of personal time (when not paring) to digest information, and in general to make reflections of the decisions made and tasks completed?

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You are already several steps further along to learning the codebase since it sounds like you are pairing. That is easily the fastest way.

To your points about veering off the current assignment, I suggest focusing entirely on the parts of the problem that concern the current assignment. Ask specific questions about the items at hand (try to avoid large overview discussions). You will be surprised at how proficient you can be in code just focusing on the problems at hand! :)

Over time, this experience will add up and as assignments vary you will begin to get a more complete picture of the whole system. The larger the system, the more this approach is needed. Imagine having to work on a system that is 20 million lines of code and having to spend 6 months studying it first ... not very agile - rather just dive in with an experienced pair and learn it in small increments.

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