An artifact repository is a key component in a CI/CD pipeline, used to manage binary files and other artifacts produced and consumed during the build process. It helps in organizing and tracking these artifacts through various stages of the pipeline.
* Provides Traceability, Search, and Management of Binary Files:
* Artifact repositories store binary files and metadata, allowing developers to trace back to the source and understand the context in which an artifact was produced.
* These repositories often come with search functionalities to locate specific versions of binaries quickly.
* Examples include JFrog Artifactory, Nexus Repository, and AWS CodeArtifact.
* Stores Files Needed and Generated During the Build Process:
* Artifact repositories store intermediate and final build outputs, dependencies, libraries, and other necessary files.
* These repositories support the storage and distribution of build artifacts, ensuring consistent deployment in different environments (e.g., staging, production).
Reference:
Cisco DevNet Associate Certification Guide: Chapter on CI/CD pipeline tools and practices.
General CI/CD documentation and best practices from continuous integration and delivery tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD).