Description: Pipeline artifacts in CI/CD systems are files generated during the execution of a pipeline that can be used for further processing. These artifacts can include binaries, configuration files, test reports, container images, and any other type of file relevant to the software development and delivery process. The main feature of artifacts is that they allow development teams to store and share intermediate results of their continuous integration and delivery processes. This not only facilitates collaboration among team members but also ensures that the results of builds and tests are accessible for later review and analysis. Artifacts can be configured to be stored temporarily or permanently, depending on the project’s needs. Additionally, CI/CD systems often provide management interfaces for these artifacts, simplifying their retrieval and use in later stages of the software development lifecycle. In summary, pipeline artifacts are an essential part of automation in modern development, providing a mechanism for the persistence and reuse of results generated during the CI/CD process.
Uses: Pipeline artifacts are primarily used in the context of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). They allow development teams to store intermediate results of builds and tests, facilitating collaboration and access to critical information at different stages of development. They are also useful for auditing and version tracking, as they enable developers to access specific versions of artifacts generated in different pipeline executions.
Examples: A practical example of pipeline artifacts in CI/CD systems is the generation of automated test reports. After running a set of tests, the pipeline can generate an HTML file containing the test results, which is stored as an artifact. This report can be reviewed by developers to identify failures or areas for improvement. Another example is the creation of container images used in production environments, where the artifact is the generated image that can be deployed in a Kubernetes cluster.
