Artifact
// Definition
The output of a build step — a JAR, binary, container image, or bundle — that is promoted through pipeline stages and ultimately deployed.
// Related terms
Build
The process of compiling source code and packaging it into a runnable artifact. Also refers to the resulting artifact and a numbered identifier for that specific output.
Deploy
The act of releasing a built artifact to a target environment (staging, production). Modern teams aim to deploy as often and as automatically as possible.
Pipeline
An automated, ordered sequence of stages — typically build, test, scan, deploy — that code passes through from commit to release. Enforces quality gates between stages.
Learn more · CI/CD for QA Engineers
Chapter 2 · Lesson 4: Secrets, Environment Variables, and Artifacts