tripatch

Tripatch is a software engineering term describing a coordinated triad patching strategy for managing changes that affect multiple parts of an application's architecture. It denotes preparing and delivering three related patches together in a single release to preserve compatibility across subsystems. The typical target is a three-layer stack: the data access layer (data models and persistence), the business logic layer (rules and workflows), and the presentation layer (user interface and API contracts). In some contexts, tripatch can also extend to three coupled services in a distributed system.

The process generally involves synchronized development and testing: patches are developed in tandem, integration tests validate interdependencies, and deployment is coordinated to ensure that all three patches are applied in the same release window. An explicit rollback plan covers any layer failure.

Benefits of tripatch include reduced risk of regression from cross-layer changes, clearer dependency management, and more predictable releases for multi-layer changes. Drawbacks include added complexity in scheduling and risk of partial failures if coordination is poor, and a requirement for robust integration testing and rollback capabilities.

Usage and adoption vary by organization. Tripatch is most commonly discussed in the context of patch management, continuous delivery, and microservice architectures where changes span data, logic, and presentation or interface contracts.

See also Patch management, Regression testing, Software deployment.