Lock database code for online patching

A computer-implemented method, the method comprising:

• receiving, by a database system, a plurality of data commands wherein a data command requests a function that manipulates data values stored in a database;
• executing the plurality of data commands in an order;
• receiving a patch command that is inserted within the plurality of data commands, wherein the patch command requests modification of a database code object that includes code in the database system;
• in response to receiving the patch command while the database system is online, execute the patch command comprising:
• identifying the database code object from the patch command;
• assigning a serialized lock on the identified database code object, wherein the serialized lock prohibits applications of the database system from accessing the identified database code object;
• modifying code within the identified database code object with a patch code while the database system is online and continues to process the plurality of data commands;
• compiling the identified database code object after being modified;
• and
• releasing the serialized lock on the identified database code object to allow the applications of the database system to call and access the identified database code object.

A database system, comprising:

• at least one processor connected to at least one memory;
• at least one database containing data;
• a database engine configured to process data commands to manipulate the data in the at least one database;
• a plurality of executable database code objects configured to be executable by the database engine and configured to perform functions on the data when executed;
• wherein the database system is configured to:
• receive a plurality of data commands wherein a data command requests a function that manipulates data values stored in a database;
• execute the plurality of data commands in an order;
• receive a patch command that is inserted within the plurality of data commands, wherein the patch command requests modification of a database code object that includes executable code in the database system;
• in response to receiving the patch command while the database system is online, execute the patch command that causes the database system to:
• identify the database code object from the patch command;
• assign a serialized lock on the identified database code object, wherein the serialized lock prohibits applications of the database system from accessing the identified database code object;
• modify code within the identified database code object with a patch code from the patch command while the database system is online and continues to process the plurality of data commands;
• compile the identified database code object after being modified;
• and
• release the serialized lock on the identified database code object to allow the applications of the database system to call and access the identified database code object.