Definition
In technology, an artifact is any tangible output produced during a project's lifecycle, representing a specific stage or decision. These can range from documents and code to diagrams and test results, serving as evidence of work performed and progress made. Artifacts are created and refined collaboratively, often undergoing reviews and updates as a project evolves. They are crucial for communication, knowledge transfer, and demonstrating compliance with standards or requirements. For instance, a system architecture diagram is a key artifact that visually represents the structure and components of a solution. Unlike a deliverable, which is the final product given to the client, an artifact is an intermediate or supporting output used internally or shared with stakeholders during development. Understanding artifacts is fundamental for project management certifications like PMP and CAPM, as well as for IT professionals involved in system design and development.