hot patch

plural hot patches · alternative hot-patch · alternative hotpatch

1. computingA 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. businessA repair for cracks and potholes in a paved surface involving filling them with hot, molten asphalt concrete.

present singular third person hot patches · participle present hot patching · participle past hot patched · past hot patched · alternative hot-patch · alternative hotpatch

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

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

   1 more example

   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.