Difference between PSU, CPU, RU, and RUR in Oracle Database
In Oracle Database, there are four main types of patches that have been used over the years: PSU,
CPU, RU, and RUR.
Each serves a specific purpose and is used depending on the version of Oracle and the
organization's patching strategy.
1. PSU (Patch Set Update)
PSUs were used primarily in Oracle 11g and 12.1. They included both security fixes (like CPUs) and
a set of low-risk,
high-impact bug fixes. The idea behind PSU was to provide more coverage than CPU without
introducing major changes.
However, Oracle deprecated PSUs starting with version 12.2, replacing them with the newer and
more flexible RU/RUR model.
2. CPU (Critical Patch Update)
CPUs are still used and are the most minimal type of patch. They include only security-related
fixes-no bug fixes or
enhancements. CPUs are released quarterly (in January, April, July, and October). These are
suitable for environments
that require strict change control and want to avoid any functional modifications. The downside is
that they do not
address known bugs or performance issues.
3. RU (Release Update)
From Oracle 12.2 onwards, RUs became the standard patching method. They include security fixes,
bug fixes, and minor
feature enhancements. Like CPUs, they are released quarterly. RUs are more comprehensive and
are designed to make patching
easier over time by reducing conflicts and the number of separate fixes. Oracle recommends RUs
for keeping databases up to date.
4. RUR (Release Update Revision)
RURs are a more conservative alternative to full RUs. They are applied after an RU and only include
security fixes and
critical regression fixes introduced by that RU-no new features or general enhancements. They are
ideal for environments
that want the benefits of RUs but without the risk of introducing new functionality. Oracle typically
releases two RURs
for each RU: one about a month later, and another three months later.
In Summary:
- Use RU for regular patching with full coverage (recommended by Oracle).
- Use RUR if you want important fixes without adopting new features.
- Use CPU only if you absolutely need minimal changes for strict compliance.
- PSU is no longer used in modern versions-replaced by RU.
