hot patch

English

Alternative forms

• hot-patch (generally for the verb only)
• hotpatch

Noun

hot patch (plural hot patches)

1. (computing) A patch (software fix) which is applied to a system while it is running, without the need to reboot the system to complete the patching process.

   The use of hot patches allows the server to be kept fully up-to-date without any reboot-induced downtime.

2. (construction) A repair for cracks and potholes in a paved surface involving filling them with hot, molten asphalt concrete.

Coordinate terms

(pavement repair):

• cold patch

Verb

hot patch (third-person singular simple present hot patches, present participle hot patching, simple past and past participle hot patched)

1. To install a hot patch (of either sense).

   Hot patching requires that the operating system be specifically designed or modified to allow running processes - potentially including those forming part of the core of the operating system itself - to be modified on-the-fly without crashing the system.

   Hot patching is easiest in the summer, when the asphalt is easier to keep hot during the application process.