I'm writing a story where a character solves a cryptic coding puzzle. I'm looking for advice on what an expert coder would do in order to find patterns in code?

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I'm writing a story where a character solves a cryptic coding puzzle. I'm looking for advice on what an expert coder would do in order to find patterns in code.

Would they use software to test code for patterns, just use their eye, how would they test their theories, etc?

I want the character to appear a coding genius who can see patterns / complete the puzzle where others can't. Code wise, it can be a mixture of any programming language.

I'm not sure how clear this is but hopefully you kind of get when I'm saying. Any advice would help loads! Thanks

What I have tried:

Nowt. I'm researching this so looking for help