Patching

Patching is one of Jobs Apps DBA perform very frequently , so you should be clear with patch basics first including terminology. Please follow Next Page link at bottom of this page to go to next page of patching. As for Database patch you apply using opatch ,similarly for Apps patch you will use adpatch.Utility & executables related to patching fall under product AD also called as application dba product. I will walk you through oracle apps 11i patching with series of questions which will help you in understand oracle apps 11i patching.
 What is patch ?

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

What is name of utility to apply patch in Oracle Application 11i ?

In Oracle Applications 11i to apply database patch you use opatch where as in order to apply applications patch you use ad utility adpatch
 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 cummutative 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 buldeled together is called as family pack. they are usually named as 11i_PF. Few example of falilies 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 Verison is 11.5.10 then its maintenance pack 10 ( 3rd digit is maintenance pack )