Glossary

• Artifact: Immutable output of a build, primarily a container image.
• CI: Validation and packaging that ends at registry publication.
• CD: Selection and deployment of published artifacts into environments.
• Release cut: Creation of a release branch from an exact develop commit.
• Release hardening: Restricted period of regression and defect correction.
• RC: Immutable candidate supplied for external approval.
• Forward merge: Applying a release/hotfix correction to newer development lines.
• SAST/SCA/DAST: Static code analysis, dependency analysis, and deployed application testing.
• SBOM: Machine-readable inventory of software components.
• Desired state: Version-controlled configuration Argo CD reconciles.
• Break glass: Exceptional privileged action used to contain or recover from urgent risk.