Dynamic software updates

A computer-implemented method for dynamically updating software while the software is executed by a computer, comprising:

• the computer receiving a software patch and an unmodified version of a software program, the software patch comprising a plurality of variable units;
• the computer generating an impact expression for each variable unit of the software patch;
• the computer dividing the software patch into a plurality of micro-updates, each micro-update comprising one of variable units having intersecting impact expressions and a single variable unit;
• and
• while the software program is running, the computer applying at least one micro-update to the software program independent of any other micro-updates, comprising:
• selecting a first micro-update,
• waiting until all variable units of the selected first micro-update are inactive,
• applying the selected first micro-update to the software patch, and
• repeating the selecting, waiting, and applying until all micro-updates are applied to the software program.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for performing a method that dynamically updates software, the instructions, when executed, causing a computer to:

• generate an impact expression for each of a plurality of variable units of a dynamic software update;
• divide the dynamic software update into a plurality of micro-updates, each micro-update comprising variable units having intersecting impact expressions;
• and
• while the software is running, apply at least one micro-update to the software independent of any other micro-updates, wherein the computer executes instructions to:
• select a first micro-update of the plurality of micro-updates,
• wait until the variable units of the selected first micro-update are inactive,
• apply the selected first micro-update to the software,
• select a second micro-update of the plurality of micro-updates,
• wait until the variable units of the selected second micro-update are inactive,
• and apply the selected second micro-update to the software.