A fix to a program. In the past, a patch used to mean changing actual executable, machine instructions, but today more often than not, it means replacing an executable module in its entirety such as an .EXE or .DLL file. A profusion of patches to an application implies that its logic was poorly designed in the first place. It also implies that the program's internal logic is becoming spaghetti code and more difficult to maintain.
Although the term typically refers to fixing a problem, it may also refer to a general enhancement. The same procedure is often used to add bug fixes to software as it is to add feature enhancements; thus, "applying patches" may refer to both kinds of modifications. See patch management and spaghetti code. See also MIDI patch.
Although the term typically refers to fixing a problem, it may also refer to a general enhancement. The same procedure is often used to add bug fixes to software as it is to add feature enhancements; thus, "applying patches" may refer to both kinds of modifications. See patch management and spaghetti code. See also MIDI patch.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Massive Assault Network 2 2.0.255 to 2.0.263 incremental patch (Windows)
- Massive Assault Network 2 streamlines the original concept with faster battles, and the ability to watch your opponent in real time.
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- The Sims 3 World Adventures 2.0.86.002001 to 2.2.8.002001 incremental patch (Windows)
- The World Adventures is the first expansion pack for The Sims 3 and takes Sims in a journey around the world to such countries as China, France, and Egypt. This patch includes a fix for save file incompatibilities that result in the Error Code 16 error message while saving.
- Software downloads 2009-11-20
- The Sims 3 1.6.6.002001 to 1.7.9.002001 incremental patch (Windows)
- The Sims return with the next incarnation of the popular life simulation game featuring a seamless open neighborhood world, new create a sim, and unlimited customization. This patch fixes the save file incompatibilities that result in the Error Code 16 error message while saving.
- Software downloads 2009-11-20
- Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 1.02 patch (Windows)
- Pro Evo returns to its simulation-based roots for its 2010 incarnation. This patch updates Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 to v1.02.
- Software downloads 2009-11-20
- TomTom Car Kit for iPhone
- Unveiled alongside its turn-by-turn navigation app for iPhone at WWDC 2009, TomTom's Car Kit for iPhone is finally available for purchase. Offering a bit more than just a way to hold your iPhone steady while driving, the Car Kit also has a GPS receiver built-in, a car charger, and...
- Product reviews 2009-11-19
- The Sims 3 1.0.631.00001 to 1.6.6.002001 incremental patch (Windows)
- The Sims return with the next incarnation of the popular life simulation game featuring a seamless open neighborhood world, new create a sim, and unlimited customization.
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- The Sims 3 1.4.6.00002 to 1.6.6.002002 incremental patch (Windows)
- The World Adventures is the first expansion pack for The Sims 3 and takes Sims in a journey around the world to such countries as China, France, and Egypt.
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- The Sims 3 1.3.24.00001 to 1.6.6.002001 incremental patch (Windows)
- The Sims return with the next incarnation of the popular life simulation game featuring a seamless open neighborhood world, new create a sim, and unlimited customization.
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- The Sims 3 1.4.6.00001 to 1.6.6.002001 incremental patch (Windows)
- The Sims return with the next incarnation of the popular life simulation game featuring a seamless open neighborhood world, new create a sim, and unlimited customization.
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- The Sims 3 1.2.7.00001 to 1.6.6.002001 incremental patch (Windows)
- The Sims return with the next incarnation of the popular life simulation game featuring a seamless open neighborhood world, new create a sim, and unlimited customization.
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- The Sims 3 1.0.631.00002 to 1.6.6.002002 incremental patch (Windows)
- The World Adventures is the first expansion pack for The Sims 3 and takes Sims in a journey around the world to such countries as China, France, and Egypt.
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- The Sims 3 1.2.7.00002 to 1.6.6.002002 incremental patch (Windows)
- The World Adventures is the first expansion pack for The Sims 3 and takes Sims in a journey around the world to such countries as China, France, and Egypt.
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- The Sims 3 1.3.24.00002 to 1.6.6.002002 incremental patch (Windows)
- The World Adventures is the first expansion pack for The Sims 3 and takes Sims in a journey around the world to such countries as China, France, and Egypt.
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- Free Hex Editor Neo 4.93.02.3398 (Windows)
- Edit and analyze your hexadecimal data and binary files. Free Hex Editor Neo is a large files optimized editor for everyone who works with ASCII, hex, decimal, float, double and binary data. Make patches with just two mouse clicks, manipulate your EXE, DLL, DAT, AVI, MP3, JPG files with unlimited...
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- And Yet It Moves 1.1.0 patch (Windows)
- Guide your paper-crafted hero through a surreal two-dimensional world that can be rotated at will, and where everything is relative.
- Software downloads 2009-11-18
- SunAge 1.09.4 patch (Windows)
- SunAge is a 2D RTS set on futuristic alien planets, and features units that have alternate modes for dual functionality.
- Software downloads 2009-11-18
- Borderlands 1.01 patch (Windows)
- Borderlands is an RPG sci-fi shooter that features four player online co-op.
- Software downloads 2009-11-18
- Dragon Age: Origins 1.01b patch (Windows)
- Dragon Age: Origins is an RPG based on a brand-new fantasy world.
- Software downloads 2009-11-18
- Smart grid networking with smart appliances
- Linux driven appliances are a GO!This is where the POWER of Open_Source technologies will shine. NO license fees, a device that WORKS as intended and does not need to be rebooted and firmware patch every other day.Smart Grid has a brigth future. But when it will come??Smart Grid is creating...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-17
- Hackers bypass Windows 7 activation
- lol...and double lolwhoever thinks that windows 7 is any better than any previous disaster they created will be dispelled soon.Google will take over and leave MS in the dustGoogle is going to take over and leave the lethargic Windows in PC dust.loverock's mother herei must apologize for my 44 old...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-16
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