open
1. To prepare to read or write a file. This usually involves checking whether
the file already exists and that the user has the necessary authorisation to
read or write it. The result of a successful open is usually some kind of
capability (e.g. a Unix file descriptor) - a token that the user passes back to
the system in order to access the file without further checks and finally to
close the file.
2. Abbreviation for "open (or left) parenthesis" - used when necessary to
eliminate oral ambiguity. To read aloud the LISP form (DEFUN FOO (X) (PLUS X 1))
one might say: "Open defun foo, open eks close, open, plus eks one, close
close."
3. Non-proprietary. An open standard is one which can be used without payment.
[Jargon File]
(1995-01-31)
Nearby terms:
Opal « OPC « op code « open » open box
testing » OpenBSD » open/closed principle
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