Patch space
An unused block of bits left in a binary so that it can later be modified by insertion of machine-language instructions there (typically, the patch space is modified to contain new code, and the superseded code is patched to contain a jump or call to the patch space). The widening use of HLLs has made this term rare; it is now primarily historical outside IBM shops. See patch, zap, hook.
[Jargon File]
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- Patchstand
[pach-stand] /ˈpætʃˌstænd/ noun 1. a small tazza.
- Patch-test
noun 1. Medicine/Medical. a test for suspected allergy by application to the skin of a patch impregnated with an allergen: allergic reaction is indicated by redness at the site of application. noun 1. (med) a test to detect an allergic reaction by applying small amounts of a suspected substance to the skin and then examining […]
- Patch-up
[pach-uhp] /ˈpætʃˌʌp/ noun 1. an act or instance of patching or repair. adjective 2. done by patching or fixing: a quick patch-up job. [pach] /pætʃ/ noun 1. a small piece of material used to mend a tear or break, to cover a hole, or to strengthen a weak place: patches at the elbows of a […]
- Patchwork
[pach-wurk] /ˈpætʃˌwɜrk/ noun 1. something made up of an incongruous variety of pieces or parts; hodgepodge: a patchwork of verse forms. 2. made of pieces of cloth or leather of various colors or shapes sewed together, used especially for covering quilts, cushions, etc. adjective 3. resembling a patchwork, especially in being makeshift, irregular, or improvised: […]
- Patchy
[pach-ee] /ˈpætʃ i/ adjective, patchier, patchiest. 1. characterized by or made up of . 2. occurring in, forming, or like . 3. of inconsistent or irregular quality, texture, etc.; not uniform: patchy acting; patchy areas of fog. /ˈpætʃɪ/ adjective patchier, patchiest 1. irregular in quality, occurrence, intensity, etc: a patchy essay 2. having or forming […]