Is it bad form to patch a dependency? (programming.dev)

submitted 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) by staircase@programming.dev to c/programming@programming.dev

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My code depends on a library that makes liberal use of patching (replacing text in source code) for its own dependencies. I feel this is bad form, because, for example, that dependency may now conflict irreconcilably with another dependency of mine.

Am I right in thinking patching code is bad form?

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[-] CombatWombat@feddit.online 17 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

Patching is a reasonable temporary solution while you are actively working to get the patch merged upstream. If you’re not doing that, a better solution is to fork. If you’re not doing that either, then you should be updating your resume.

[-] Kissaki@programming.dev 2 points 4 days ago

then you should be updating your resume

through patching?

this post was submitted on 01 Apr 2026

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