NO it isn't a good codebase (can't understand it without talking to senior devs) and NO that doesn't HAVE to be what software development is; but unfortunately, it often IS... try to find work at a startup, or start your own, if you're that unhappy with things; if not, try to learn what you can from the senior devs, and their massive poorly documented codebase. Working with senior devs can be a drag, for sure -- I should know, I am one ;-)