patch
pach
/pætʃ/
A small piece of software designed to fix a specific bug, vulnerability, or performance issue in an existing program.
A patch is a targeted, quick fix. It is not meant to redesign the software, but rather to mend a specific broken part, much like a physical patch on clothing.
The story behind the word. In the early days of computing, programs were stored on paper punch cards or paper tapes. When a bug was found, programmers would physically patch the holes in the paper tape using adhesive tape to correct the code.
Word relationships
- hotfix: A hotfix is a patch applied to a live system quickly, often without restarting, to resolve an urgent issue.
- exploit: An exploit takes advantage of a vulnerability, whereas a patch fixes it.
Commonly confused with
- upgrade: A patch is a small, targeted bug fix, whereas an upgrade is a comprehensive software overhaul.
Word family
- patched (adjective): Mended or updated with a software patch.
Collocations
- security patch
- apply a patch
- emergency patch
- software patch
Example sentences
- "The security team released an emergency patch to address the critical vulnerability discovered yesterday." An official security advisory from a software company.
Memory hook
Think of patching a flat tire; you are fixing a small hole so you can keep rolling. A digital bandage for a wounded program.
When not to use
Do not use patch to describe a complete overhaul of an application; that is an upgrade.
Fun facts
- The physical patching of paper tapes in the 1940s is one of the literal origins of modern computing terminology.
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