← Glossary
What does "tag" mean in programming?
tag is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
A named pointer to a specific commit, typically used to mark a release version. Unlike branches, tags do not move when new commits are added. Tags are often used in CI/CD pipelines to trigger deployments.
Example
"We tag every production release so we can roll back to any version."
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| tag | verb (infinitive) | To mark a specific commit with a name | "Tag the commit when you cut a release." |
| tagged | past tense | Already marked with a tag | "We tagged v2.0 after the deployment was confirmed." |
| tagging | gerund | In the process of marking a commit with a name | "Tagging triggers the release pipeline automatically." |
Related terms
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