Final answer:
The first task is checking out the existing code copy and making changes on a local working copy. Once changes are made, the code can be checked in to update the version control system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first task that the new developer must perform is checking out the existing code copy. This is done to create a local working copy of the code on the developer's machine. By checking out the code, the developer can make changes and modifications without affecting the main codebase. Once the changes are made, the developer can then check in the code to update the version control system with the changes made.