patch space

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

patch space
 n.

   An unused block of bits left in a binary so that it can later be
   modified by insertion of machine-language instructions there
   (typically, the patch space is modified to contain new code, and the
   superseded code is patched to contain a jump or call to the patch
   space). The near-universal use of compilers and interpreters has made
   this term rare; it is now primarily historical outside IBM shops. See
   {patch} (sense 4), {zap} (sense 4), {hook}.

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

patch space

   An unused block of bits left in a binary so that it can later
   be modified by insertion of machine-language instructions
   there (typically, the patch space is modified to contain new
   code, and the superseded code is patched to contain a jump or
   call to the patch space).  The widening use of HLLs has made
   this term rare; it is now primarily historical outside {IBM}
   shops.  See {patch}, {zap}, {hook}.

   [{Jargon File}]

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