Description: Cleaning artifacts in continuous integration refers to the process of removing old or unused artifacts from storage. Artifacts are files generated during the continuous integration process, such as binaries, test files, coverage reports, and other build results. Over time, these artifacts can accumulate and take up significant storage space, leading to performance issues and unnecessary costs. Cleaning artifacts is essential for maintaining an efficient and organized development environment. This process not only helps free up space but also ensures that developers and DevOps teams have access to the most relevant and recent artifacts, avoiding confusion and errors. Additionally, regular artifact cleaning contributes to system security by reducing the likelihood of outdated files being accidentally used in development or production. In continuous integration systems, users can configure retention policies to automatically manage the lifespan of artifacts, defining when they should be deleted. This allows for proactive and efficient storage management, ensuring that only necessary artifacts are retained while unnecessary ones are removed in a timely manner.
