Patch File

Noun · Open Source

Definitions

  1. A file containing differences between versions of code, usually in a format that tools like `patch` or version control systems can apply. Patch files remain common in mailing-list-based workflows and downstream package maintenance.

    In plain English: A file that describes code changes so they can be applied elsewhere.

    Example: "The distro carried a local patch file until the fix was accepted upstream."

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