What is a patch? Easily explained
From time to time, a so-called patch is available for download for software and operating systems. But what is that actually? Roughly speaking, this is an update. However, there are differences to so-called updates or upgrades.
Patch - what is it?
Software manufacturers use patches to correct errors in programs, close security gaps or upgrade functions.
- A patch can be used to correct errors without having to set up the entire program again. One also speaks of "bug fixes".
- The term patch means something like "patch". It dates back to the time of punch cards. Back then, patches were used to seal individual holes.
- Patches are often offered as packages. Microsoft, for example, offers the updates for Windows as service packs. This includes several patches.
- Patches either delete files of the software concerned and replace them with new ones, or change the source code of the program.
What is the difference between patch and update?
Patch is not the only term that describes software improvements.
- With an update, the functionality of the program is expanded or improved. In some cases, this also corrects errors as in a patch (cf. update and upgrade).
- A term related to the patch is the bugfix. A bugfix fixes errors in the source code of a program.
- A hotfix is the same as a patch. The special thing about it is that it is used to carry out particularly important and urgent bug fixes.
In another article, we explain the terms hack and crack.