Types of Oracle Apps Patch

Before taking about various types of patches available, first take a look on definition of Patch:

What is patch?
Patch is program (set of instructions) to fix a particular problem or enhance/ add a particular feature in existing program/product/software.

Assuming all of us now understand basic definition of patch, let’s discuss types of patches:

What are various types of Oracle Apps Patch?

These are major classification of oracle apps patch
Standalone/Oneoff patches This is used to define patch created to fix single/particular problem.

Mini Pack This is group of oneoff patches for a particular product like INV, GL, AP and named like 11i.GL.E ( means this group of patches contain fix for 11i GL product (General Ledger till time E is released ) This is commutative which means it will include 11i.GL.A, 11i.GL.B ....11iGL.D till 11i.GL.E earlier in 10.7 it used to called as patchset.

Family Pack Group of mini packs in one family bundled together is called as family pack. They are usually named as 11i_PF. Few example of families are SCM (11i.SCM_PF.G), ATG (11i.ATG_PF.H) _PF indicate Product Family Pack

Maintenance Pack Group of family pack together is called as maintenance pack. So if you say your Version is 11.5.10 then its maintenance pack 10 (3rd digit is maintenance pack)