How to Make a Patch File

Computer patches are files that contain corrected code and can be used to make changes or fix errors in already existing programs. One advantage of making patch files is that they can be quickly sent to other users to fix a problem without requiring them to download a whole new program. Patch files are most easily created using the CVS command line within program compiling software.

Things You'll Need

• Program compiler
• Program's original source code

Instructions

1. Look at the source code. This can be done by opening the program's original source code in a text editor (or whatever program you use to write code) and view it this way.

2. With the code open in the text editor, make whatever changes to the code that you want. Save it under a slightly different file name so as not to replace the original program.

3. Recompile the edited code and make sure that the program still works with the changes you have made.

4. Open up the CVS command line while running the original program.

5. Type the following in: cvs diff -uNa > patch.txt

   Obviously, replace patch.txt with whatever file name you actually saved your patch under. This will replace any code that you have changed with the new code.