How is Import Patch different from Compare and Deploy?

Import Patch and Compare and Deploy serve distinct purposes in application deployment within the Appian platform. Import Patch is designed for manual updates, allowing developers to make specific changes to an application directly without the guided interface that Compare and Deploy offers. This means that when using Import Patch, the developer is responsible for knowing what changes they want to make and carefully applying them.

In contrast, Compare and Deploy is particularly useful for handling larger deployments or updates that require a review of changes between different versions. It enables users to see a comparison of component versions, select specific components for deployment, and follow a more structured, guided process. This helps reduce the chances of errors during deployment.

The differentiating factor lies in the level of control and the method of application updates: Import Patch focuses on manual and targeted updates, while Compare and Deploy offers a comprehensive and user-friendly deployment execution that can better manage complex changes.