What is an installation package also referred to as?

An installation package is commonly referred to as an installer. This term is widely used in software development and deployment to describe a file or a set of files that automate the installation of software applications on a target system. The installer typically contains all necessary components such as executable files, libraries, and configuration files needed to properly set up the software in the intended environment.

In the context of software implementation, an installer streamlines the process for users, allowing them to install applications with minimal manual input. By contrast, terms like deployment bundle and patch file suggest different contexts; deployment bundles may refer to a broader collection of files needed for deploying applications, while patch files are used specifically to update or fix existing software without needing to reinstall it completely. Source change is not relevant as it pertains to modifications in the programming code or features rather than the package used to install a product.