Howto apply a patch file to my Linux / UNIX source code

by Vivek Gite on April 24, 2007 · 4 comments

Q.I know that I can patch binary package using up2date or yum command in Linux but what I’m wondering is if there’s a way to apply a patch file to downloaded source code under Linux / UNIX like operating system source tree?

A. Linux and UNIX source software often comes with security and other patches. You can download them from Internet or project home page. There is a command called patch that apply a diff file or patch to an original source tree.

patch takes a patch file patchfile containing a difference listing produced by the diff program and applies those differences to one or more original files, producing patched versions. Normally the patched versions are put in place of the originals.

The following usage is most commonly used:
$ patch -p1 < {/path/to/patch/file}

To apply a patch, one could run the following command in a shell:
$ patch < /path/to/file

Patches can be undone, or reversed, with the '-R' option:
$ patch -R < /path/to/file

Above 3 are basic usage read the man page of patch command for more information and usage:
% man patch

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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

1 naresh March 29, 2008

Linux and UNIX source software often comes with security and other patches. You can download them from Internet or project home page. There is a command called patch that apply a diff file or patch to an original source tree.

patch takes a patch file patchfile containing a difference listing produced by the diff program and applies those differences to one or more original files, producing patched versions.

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2 naresh March 29, 2008

guess what I need is a link to the .patch file syntax so I know what it means and can apply the changes manually (unless there’s some other way to do it).

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3 Manish May 22, 2011

Hi
I want to merge two patch file into one then how I can get that done without any complications and breaking the source.If I apply both separately then it fails.

Reply

4 Tony Browning July 16, 2011

I have yet to see Wine Internet Explorer , wine-1.3.6 I can click on the white loading bar while new Adobe FlashPlayer 11beta for Internet Explorer (only) is trying to load it in my terminal thru (Wine Windows Program Loader) and Wine Internet Explorer will power-up, but its missing a few stuff. Adobe FP 11b not right one for it (because the accept license agreement tab not there) and wish someone could find right FP, maybe you or someday adobe will produce one? Check-it out and you will see! But the new Adobe Air 11b (IE only) loaded great.

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