Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating a software patch by comparing object files. Method and apparatus are provided that create a software patch using object files of two software sources. The invention creates software patches for software programs written any high-level language so long as the programs compile to a standard object file format, and required information can be recovered. Functions of a compiled version of an existing software program are compared with an updated version that is compiled in a separate object file to discover a minimal set of changes, or “deltas” (for the patching process). The process for creating a patch includes decomposing the object file into cantles, examining fix-up information, creating reduced program dependency graphs, and comparing the graphs to determine the changes and create the patch.