Search notes:

ORACLE_HOME/OPatch

OPatch is Oracle's only supported method of installing interim patches. It updates the central and per-product inventories with the details of the patch.

OPatch can only be used for OUI based Oracle homes.

Files

`datapatch`	Executes a patche's supplied SQL and PL/SQL scripts (See patch file content). In order to execute sicj scripts, the instance must be running (normal mode, not upgrade mode).
`emdpatch.pl`
`opatch`	Applies binary patches into the Oracle Home. Because `opatch` is manipulating the Oracle Home, all instances must be shut down.(See patch file content)
`opatch.pl`
`opatchauto`	Used in a RAC environment
`operr.bat`
`README.txt`
`version.txt`	contains the version number of OPatch, for example `12.2.0.1.15`

subdirectories

auto
docs
jlib
modules
ocm
opatchprereqs
oplan
oracle_common
plugins
scripts

See also

Patching Oracle

$ORACLE_HOME/.patch_storage/ is used by OPatch to make rolling back a patch easier.

Links

Mike Dietrich: How to apply a patch $ORACLE_HOME