Patch refers to information intended for computer files and the automated introduction of the necessary edits and innovations into them. In the Russian IT environment, this phenomenon has a specific name - "patching".
A patch is ...
In fact, this is the same update that contains special automated information aimed at eliminating software errors. The patch can also not only make any small corrections, but also radically change the overall functionality.
Corrections can be applied to already installed programs, or only to the source code. In addition to eliminating errors, you can do the following: change the appearance, improve ergonomics, increase productivity and much more.
As a rule, the patch volume is a few kilobytes or hundreds of megabytes. The size always varies and depends on how much new information is contained inside. The largest patches are those that store changes to non-program data, to music or graphics. It often happens that updates of this type have a slightly different name, for example, ServicePack or SoftwareUpdate. Typically, these patches are created for video games.
History of occurrence
The appearance of the first patches refers to the times when a punch card or paper tape was used to download a program to a computer. So, punch cards, whose set of perforations differed significantly from the original, were the prototypes of patches. As for the punched tape, it marked areas that should have been subject to change. The required punched sheet was successfully replaced, and a brand new program piece was pasted into the marked and then cut out section of the tape. Hence the name "patch". After all, the English word patch literally meant a patch.
Over time, patches began to be transmitted on magnetic tapes. After the first diskette appeared, users began to receive the necessary updates inside the mail envelopes. Nowadays, the question of how to download and how to install the patch no longer bothers users. Thanks to the widespread use of the Internet, all the necessary files are downloaded directly from the network, from official sites and forums.What are the patches
There are several varieties of patches:
- The former is commonly used during software development. Distribution of such patches looks either as a list in which all the differences between the two versions of the file are indicated, or as a set of all necessary changes. There should not be a problem with how to install the patch . Updates are downloaded using special utilities, such as Diff or Patch.
- The second view updates the compiled software. It is distributed either as a binary file that the program itself downloads, or as a standalone application that runs at the hands of users. Patches of this type are automatic and do not require human intervention.
Game patches
As a rule, video game developers diligently correct all the errors and imperfections of their product before submitting it to the public. However, absolute ideality is a myth, and any game will need a patch sooner or later. Whether he will correct defects or make changes to the functionality depends on the decision of the developers, which is based on ratings and reviews.
For example, patches for GTA brought not only various improvements related to performance, but also added large-scale add-ons that allowed to diversify the gameplay. In this way, developers can retain the interest of gamers and provide support for their product over time. Licensed patches for launching games are installed by the program itself, often users see automatic notifications that a new update has been released.
Some interesting facts
- After the tragic events that took place in New York on September 11, 2001, Microsoft released a patch designed for their popular flying simulator MicrosoftFlightSimulator. The new addition allowed users to remove the affected shopping center from the script.
- A huge number of people around the world are working on unofficial custom patches. Their creation is due to the fact that very often updates created by developers do not meet expectations. Some details may be missed, and some errors require too much time to be fixed.
- For easy orientation among the patches, their names indicate the version. Usually it looks like a series of numbers between which dots are placed.
- Before installing it is important to check the version of the patch and all the updates indicated in it. There is always the possibility that something may go wrong. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to back up important files. If the patch accidentally deletes them, it means that its version is not suitable enough. Authors should clearly list all possible glitches and bugs that the user may encounter.