patchversion

A patch version, often abbreviated as "patch," is a type of software versioning that indicates a minor update to a software product. It is the third number in a versioning scheme that typically follows the format of major.minor.patch (e.g., 1.2.3). Patch versions are used to release updates that fix bugs, improve performance, or make minor enhancements to the software without altering its core functionality or introducing new features. These updates are usually backward-compatible, meaning they do not require changes to the existing codebase that uses the software. Patch versions are an essential part of software maintenance and are released frequently to ensure the software remains stable and secure. They are often accompanied by release notes that detail the specific changes and improvements made in the update.