TECHNIQUES FOR UPDATING A FILE USING A MULTI-VERSION PATCH FILE

The embodiments set forth a technique that generates a multi-version patch file at a server computing device. The technique includes, modifying a first file to produce a plurality of versions associated with the first file, in which the plurality of versions includes: (i) a latest version associated with the first file, and (ii) at least two previous versions relative to the latest version. The technique also includes identifying a difference between the latest version and the two previous versions to produce first and second delta versions of the first file. Furthermore, the technique includes generating the multi-version patch file for installation by a client computing device, in which the multi-version patch file (i) includes the first and second delta versions, and (ii) causes a second file stored on the client computing device to be updated to the latest version using at least one of the first and second delta versions.