Method and apparatus for optimizing patching of objects containing references

A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for patching a set of objects containing references, comprising:

• using a location structure to keep track of the locations of references within the set of objects;
• converting the references within the set of objects from an absolute form into an offset-based form, wherein offsets are computed with respect to base addresses of objects;
• applying an offset-based patch to the set of objects and to the location structure using a binary-patching technique;
• and
• converting the references in the set of objects back into absolute form;
• wherein using the offset-based patch reduces the number of reference changes that need to be specified in the patch, and hence reduces the size of the patch.

An apparatus for patching a set of objects containing references, comprising:

• a locating mechanism configured to keep track of the locations of references within the set of objects;
• a conversion mechanism configured to convert the references within the set of objects from an absolute form into an offset-based form, wherein offsets are computed with respect to base addresses of objects;
• an application mechanism configured to apply an offset-based patch to the set of objects and to the location structure using a binary-patching technique;
• and
• wherein the conversion mechanism is additionally configured to convert the references in the set of objects back into absolute form;
• wherein using the offset-based patch reduces the number of reference changes that need to be specified in the patch, and hence reduces the size of the patch.