The big ideaOpen source means anyone can read, use and improve the code, following its licence.
How it works
Open source means the code is out in the open, where anyone can read it, use it and improve it.
A license is the rules for using it. Read it before you borrow. Free to use does not mean anything goes.
Credit goes to the people who helped. Real people keep it going, so be kind.
A clear note helps a bug get fixed. Never share private details, and take a grown-up along.
📝one card🧄garlic added🧂a note on salt✍️each change signed
Nana's recipe card, shared with the whole street.A clear note.
Example 1: Nana's soup recipe
Nana shares her soup card with her whole street.
One neighbor adds garlic, and another adds a note about salt.
Each person signs their change, so everyone's soup gets better and everybody knows who helped.
Example 2: The tool's page
Mr. Reyes opens the sound tool's page.
It has the code, a thank-you list and a license.
The license is the rules for using it, so read it before you borrow.
Example 3: A bug and a clear note
Mina hears a click at the start of a sound.
She writes what happened and what she expected, and how to make it happen again.
She leaves out her real name and details.
A volunteer called Priya fixes it, and a new version plays smooth.
Example 4: Free is not anything goes
Mina checks the license for the sound tool.
The rules are: use it, change it, share it, and give credit.
Free to use does not mean do anything you like.
Words to know
open source
Anyone can read, use and improve the code.
license
The rules for using it.
volunteer
A person who helps keep a tool going.
credit
Thanks, by name, to the people who helped.
bug
A small mistake in the code.
Watch out
Free to use does not mean anything goes. The license still has rules.
Never share private details in a note. A grown-up helps with the rest.
Open code has bugs too. Many readers help find them.
A note that says it is broken is not much help. Say what happened and what you expected.
Try it
What is a license?
Should Mina put her real name and private details in a bug note?
True or false: open code is always perfect.
Who gets credit in an open project?
What three things does a clear note say?
Answers: 1. The rules for using the code · 2. No · 3. False · 4. The people who helped · 5. What happened, what you expected, and how to make it happen again
Try at homeWrite down a simple recipe or a game rule on a card. Share it with your family, and let each person add one change and sign it. Whose idea made it better? Why is it kind to write down who helped?
For grown-upsShare a simple recipe or a game rule on a card with your family, and let each person add one change and sign it. Go along with your child before they report a bug or join any project, and never share private details.
Open these notes on screenScan the code, or go to tutorpip.com.