Apply Patch Tool

An Apply Patch Tool is a software maintenance tool that applies software patches to source code files for software update tasks.

• AKA: Patch Application Tool, Code Patch Tool, Diff Application Tool, Software Patch Utility, Patch Apply Tool.
• Context:
  • It can typically apply Git-Based Patches through command-line interfaces with patch commands.
  • It can typically validate Patch File Formats before patch application processes.
  • It can typically perform Dry Run Checks to prevent patch conflicts.
  • It can often support Automated Patch Application in continuous integration systems.
  • It can often handle Binary Patches and Text-Based Patches with different patch algorithms.
  • It can often integrate with Version Control Systems for patch management tasks.
  • It can range from being a Simple Patch Tool to being an Advanced Patch Tool, depending on its patch handling capability.
  • It can range from being a Manual Patch Tool to being an Automated Patch Tool, depending on its automation level.
  • It can range from being a Single-File Patch Tool to being a Multi-File Patch Tool, depending on its file handling scope.
  • It can range from being a Local Patch Tool to being a Distributed Patch Tool, depending on its deployment architecture.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Git-Based Patch Tools, such as:
    • Git Apply Command for non-commit patch application.
    • Git Am Command for email-based patch application.
    • Git Format-Patch Command for patch generation task.
  • Operating System Patch Tools, such as:
    • QNX Applypatch Utility for QNX system patching.
    • Unix Patch Command for traditional Unix patching.
  • Installation Patch Tools, such as:
    • InstallAware Apply Patch Command for Windows installer patching.
    • MSI Patch Tool for Microsoft installer patching.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Version Control System, which manages code versions but doesn't directly apply software patches.
  • Code Merge Tool, which combines code branches rather than applying patch files.
  • File Synchronization Tool, which copies entire source files rather than applying code differences.
• See: Software Patch, Patch Management System, Version Control System, Software Development Tool, Patch Diff Algorithm, Patch File Format, Software Maintenance Process, Continuous Integration System, Patch Review Process.

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