Editing Patch (computing) (section)

== History ==
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[[File:Harvard Mark I program tape.agr.jpg|thumb|A program tape for the 1944 [[Harvard Mark I]], one of the first digital computers. Note physical patches used to correct punched holes by covering them.]]

Historically, software suppliers distributed patches on [[paper tape]] or on [[punched cards]], expecting the recipient to cut out the indicated part of the original tape (or deck), and patch in (hence the name) the replacement segment. Later patch distributions used magnetic tape.  Then, after the invention of removable disk drives, patches came from the software developer via a [[floppy disk|disk]] or, later, [[CD-ROM]] via [[mail]]. With widely available [[Internet]] access, [[download]]ing patches from the developer's [[web site]] or through automated software updates became often available to the end-users. Starting with Apple's [[Mac OS 9]] and Microsoft's [[Windows ME]], PC operating systems gained the ability to get automatic software updates via the Internet.

Computer programs can often coordinate patches to update a target program. Automation simplifies the end-user's task{{snd}} they need only to execute an update program, whereupon that program makes sure that updating the target takes place completely and correctly. Service packs for [[Microsoft Windows NT]] and its successors and for many commercial software products adopt such automated strategies.

Some programs can update themselves via the [[Internet]] with very little or no intervention on the part of users. The maintenance of [[Server (computing)|server]] software and of [[operating system]]s often takes place in this manner. In situations where system administrators control a number of computers, this sort of automation helps to maintain consistency. The application of security patches commonly occurs in this manner.

With the advent of larger storage media and higher Internet bandwidth, it became common to replace entire files (or even all of a program's files) rather than modifying existing files, especially for smaller programs.