Patch

What Does Patch Mean?

A patch is a software update comprised code inserted (or patched) into the code of an executable program. Typically, a patch is installed into an existing software program. Patches are often temporary fixes between full releases of a software package.

Advertisements

Patches may do any of the following:

  • Fix a software bug
  • Install new drivers
  • Address new security vulnerabilities
  • Address software stability issues
  • Upgrade the software

Techopedia Explains Patch

Software patches can be free or available for sale. Some companies deliver patches to registered users only. Patches are usually available as Internet downloads.

If the original source code is proprietary and not released to the general public, then patches are released as executable binary code. Patches alter the existing programming code by modifying it or replacing it completely.

Patches have become extremely important as a methodology for updating programs or new system security threats which appear regularly, especially in online environments. Formerly patches were installed manually. Today automatic updates are very popular and are available as self-installing packages from the software vendors support pages at their website.

Although patches can vary in size from several kilobytes to hundreds of megabytes, patches are usually perceived as being rather small. Common to Microsoft Windows operating system large patches are generally named service packs, and can be over 100Mb.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Cybersecurity Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…