Abstract: Limiting patch size and complexity through heuristics which use file and product attributes to select a subset of reference file versions (prior states) from the set of all file versions. Patches target this set of reference versions. The computing device stores one or more of the prior states. The current state of the file represents at least one of the prior states with an update applied thereto. The invention selects one of the updates from the patch that corresponds to one of the prior states stored on the computing device. The invention applies the selected update to the corresponding prior state to update the file.

Abstract: Uninstalling a patch applied to a software product installed on a computer. A current state of a software product is identified. A desired state of the software product is determined. The desired state of the software product represents a state of the software product when a patch applied to the software product is removed from the software product. The patch is removed from the software product to transition the software product from the identified current state to the determined desired state.

Abstract: Allowing a non-privileged user to apply a patch to a software product. A patch is received from a non-privileged user. It is determined if the received patch may be elevated by the non-privileged user for applying to a target software product. The received patch is applied to the target software product if it is determined that the received patch may be elevated by the non-privileged user for applying to the target software product.

Abstract: Updating a software product by a plurality of patches. Sequencing data of each patch of the plurality of patches is received from a user such as a patch author. Each patch of the plurality of patches has a defined membership in a portion of the software product and has a defined order in the portion relative to one or more other patches that are members of the portion. The sequencing data indicates a portion of the software product of which the patch is a member and a relative ordering between the patch and one or more other members of the portion. A logical order of application for the plurality of patches is determined based on the received sequencing data. The plurality of patches is applied to the software product according to the determined logical order of application.

Abstract: Applying multiple patches to one or more software products. A plurality of patches is received from a user. A software product targeted by the received plurality of patches is determined. For the determined software product, one or more of the received plurality of patches that are applicable to the software product are identified. The identified one or more patches are applied to the software product as a function of a state of the software product in a single installation transaction.