Fixes concepts and terms

Use this information to learn about IBM® i software fixes, which includes the fixes that are available to you, how to find out about current fixes, and what a fix status means.

Many concepts and terms are associated with program temporary fixes (PTFs) or fixes. In fact, throughout these topics you will see the terms program temporary fix (PTF) and fix used interchangeably. The PTF terminology existed long before the system, and today it is associated mainly with the character-based interface (“green screen interface”). Its presence is seen in control language (CL) commands such as Display PTF (DSPPTF), Send PTF Order (SNDPTFORD), and Display PTF Cover Letter (DSPPTFCVR). The fix terminology was introduced with the graphical user interface of System i® Navigator. Both terms mean the same.