tools

If you're attempting to refactor a large code base, give CCFinder a try.

I checked out the following tools suggested by the Wikipedia entry on duplicate code :
- Simian
- CCFinder
- PMD Target

XMind is an Eclipse-based mind mapper (brainstorming) tool. I've found it to be quite adequate for brain dumps.

I still like Microsoft Word's outlining tool. It's one of the few reasons to still use Word.

But XMind provides a nice way to create and visualize "bubbles" or groups of ideas.

http://www.xmind.net

There are some videos which show how to use it. Each of these are about 1-2 minutes and a good way to try before you "buy".