File handling: Open - GCSE Computer Science Definition

In GCSE Computer Science, 'File handling: Open' refers to the process of accessing a file in a computer program so that you can read information from it or write new information to it. When you open a file, you're telling the program which file you want to work with and what you want to do with it. For example, you might open a file to display its contents on the screen or to update it with new data. This is an important step because it prepares the file for further actions you need to take, like reading or writing data. It’s like opening a book to read or add notes—only in this case, it's a digital file on the computer.