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Item 268 of 426 · Year 12: Programming for the Web, 34 of 59

Open-source software

Term

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  1. Exam format, question types and command words (46)
  2. Year 11: Programming Fundamentals (69)
  3. Year 11: The Object-Oriented Paradigm (33)
  4. Year 11: Programming Mechatronics (29)
  5. Year 12: Secure Software Architecture (57)
  6. Year 12: Programming for the Web (59)
  7. Year 12: Software Automation (35)
  8. Year 12: The Software Engineering Project (47)
  9. Diagrams and modelling tools (18)
  10. Python, SQL, pseudocode and CSS patterns (33)

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Definition

Software whose source code is freely available to use, modify and share under a licence, supporting reuse and community improvement.

Example: Use an open-source framework to save time.

Found in: syllabus, school notes.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Y12 Programming for the Web.

Question types it can appear in

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

“Software whose source code is freely available to use, modify and share under a licence, supporting reuse and community improvement.” Then apply it: Use an open-source framework to save time.

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Command words used with it

General advice

No linked question shows the command word for this term. Across the past short answer and extended response questions in this bank the words used most are: Explain, Outline, Describe, Compare, Classify, Analyse. Check the actual word in your question.

Go deeper

Check yourself

Explain “Open-source software” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.

Reveal the answer

Software whose source code is freely available to use, modify and share under a licence, supporting reuse and community improvement.

Example: Use an open-source framework to save time.

Could be tested as: Multiple choice, Short answer, Extended response.

Quick multiple choice

Which statement describes open-source software?

  1. It is always free of any licence
  2. Its source code is available to view, modify and share under a licence
  3. It cannot be used in commercial products
  4. It can only be changed by its original author
Show the answer

B

Open source does not mean no licence. The licence sets the terms for use, modification and redistribution.

Source: original (written for this study pack; not a NESA question). Open it in the multiple-choice bank.