Source updates improve computer program code, often adding new features, fixing bugs, and improving stability. Patches are created by developers and can be downloaded by users. Open source programs allow users to make their own updates. Source ports update old games or programs to meet modern computer requirements.
A source update is an improvement in the source code of a computer program, or the code from which the program is created. The most common source update changes are new features, bug fixes, and stability improvements. Patches are created by software developers and released to the public; these are usually free, although some developers may charge for the patch. If a program is open source, the user can make their own source code updates by modifying the source code. When a source port is created, an old program or game is modified to work on modern equipment, but the program or game remains relatively the same.
After a program has been developed, the development team will typically work on building source update packages. Reasons for doing this include releasing a new version of the software and upgrading the original product. The most common changes resulting from source updates are new features, creating bugs or glitches, and fixing problems; the power and stability of the program can also be improved. Typically, when a source update is released, the user will download it and the update will change the original source code; the user has to do very little work to update the program.
When a source code update is made, it is usually called a patch. The developer creates a patch and the user downloads the patch to activate it. For example, when a computer automatically downloads an update or displays a dialog saying an update is available, a patch is what the computer downloads and applies. Most patches are free, although the developer may charge for a patch that completely changes the program.
Patches of open source programs are usually made by the user. This means that the source code can be changed without the user having to wait for the official developer to update the programming. Even most of the open source programs are updated by the official developer.
Source Ports are different from the other two Source Updates, because they typically involve very little program changes, and this update is usually for older games or programs. Modern computers may have certain requirements that older games or programs cannot meet, but if a source port is created, the game is updated to meet the requirements. For example, if the game needs better rendering support, a programmer simply adds this support and the game can be ported to modern computers.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
