level 2Bugs & Debugging
Patch
also: patches, patched
A small, targeted change that fixes a specific problem without rewriting everything around it.
a bit more technical
A focused code change that corrects a specific defect or vulnerability. The word also names the change file itself (a diff) and, in version numbers like 2.4.1, the last digit, which signals a bug-fix release.
picture it
Patching a hole in your jeans. You fix the torn spot. You don't buy new jeans or resew every seam.
why it matters
Asking for a patch tells the agent to keep the change small. Small changes are easier to review, easier to trust, and easier to undo.
what your agent might say
I've written a minimal patch: one change in formatDate() to use the user's time zone. No other files are affected.
how you might use it
Write a small patch for the missing-avatar crash. Only touch the profile component, and show me the change before applying it.
common mistake
Thinking a patch is always a quick, sloppy fix. A good patch is small and correct. A sloppy one just hides the symptom.
builds on