# hotpatch

Tells the compiler to prepare a routine for hotpatching. This feature is only available for ifort.

## Syntax

Linux: | -hotpatch[=n]

macOS: | None

Windows: | /hotpatch[:n]

## Arguments

n | An integer specifying the number of bytes the compiler should add before the function entry point.

## Default

OFF | The compiler does not prepare routines for hotpatching.

## Description

This option tells the compiler to prepare a routine for hotpatching. The compiler inserts nop padding around function entry points so that the resulting image is hot patchable.

Specifically, the compiler adds nop bytes after each function entry point and enough nop bytes before the function entry point to fit a direct jump instruction on the target architecture.

If n is specified, it overrides the default number of bytes that the compiler adds before the function entry point.

## IDE Equivalent

None

## Alternate Options

None

Parent topic: Code Generation Options