There should never be a case where you edit the core. Filters and actions were created so plugin developers could navigate the intricacies of WordPress wihtout touching core files. You should reference the following:
- http://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API/Action_Reference
- http://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API/Filter_Reference
There are quite a few undocumented filters that I find when viewing WP core. If you do go to core, I would look for a filter that’s being used in the area you wish to alter WordPress rather than change the file outright.