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What does "patch" mean in programming?
patch is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
A small fix or update applied to software. In Git, a patch is also a file that contains a set of diffs that can be applied to another repository.
Example
"The security patch was released as an emergency update."
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| patch | noun | A file containing a set of changes to be applied to code | "Apply the patch file to fix the security vulnerability." |
| patch | verb (infinitive) | To apply a fix or update to software | "We need to patch the server this weekend." |
| patched | past tense | Already fixed or updated | "The vulnerability was patched in version 2.1.3." |
Related terms
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