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)