What is the purpose of a patch in software?

Patches are specifically designed to fix vulnerabilities or bugs in existing software. When software is released, it may contain errors or security flaws that can be exploited by malicious users. Patches address these issues by modifying the code, ensuring that the software runs smoothly and securely. This is a critical aspect of software maintenance, as it helps keep systems secure and operational by correcting problems that may have been overlooked during initial development or caused by external factors. While a patch can sometimes coincide with updates that might also add features or improve user experience, its primary purpose is to resolve existing issues within the software.