Artifact Repository
An artifact repository is a centralized storage system for software artifacts, such as compiled binaries, libraries, packages, and container images. It enables version control, dependency management, and secure distribution of build outputs across development and deployment pipelines. Tools like JFrog Artifactory, Sonatype Nexus, and GitHub Packages are common implementations that integrate with CI/CD workflows.
Developers should use an artifact repository to manage dependencies efficiently, ensure reproducible builds, and accelerate deployment by caching artifacts. It is essential in DevOps and microservices architectures where multiple teams need consistent access to shared libraries and container images, reducing build times and preventing version conflicts.