Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “What is an annotated tag?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)**An annotated tag** is a full-fledged Git tag stored as a separate object that contains metadata about the version or release: the author, the date, the message. **Key point:** annotated tags are recommended for releases, since CI/CD is often triggered specifically by them.Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)Image**An annotated tag** is a **full-fledged Git tag** that is stored as a **separate object** and contains **metadata about a version or release**. In simpler terms: *an annotated tag is a "signed label" with a description and an author.* --- ## What an annotated tag contains An annotated tag includes: - the tag name (`v1.2.0`) - a message (release description) - the author's name - the creation date - (optionally) a GPG signature That is exactly why annotated tags **are recommended for releases**. --- ## How to create an annotated tag ```bash git tag -a v1.2.0 -m "Release version 1.2.0" ``` If you don't specify `-m`, Git opens an editor for the message. --- ## How it differs from a lightweight tag | Annotated tag | Lightweight tag | |---|---| | A separate Git object | Just a reference | | Has a message | Has no message | | Has an author and date | Has no metadata | | Can be signed | Cannot be signed | | Used for releases | For local markers | --- ## Why an annotated tag matters for CI/CD - easy to see **who created the tag and why** - convenient for automating releases - CI/CD is often triggered **only on annotated tags** - the tag's signature can be verified --- ## How to view information about a tag ```bash git show v1.2.0 ``` Shows: - information about the tag - the message - the commit it points to --- ## Important point An annotated tag is **not a branch** It does not move and is not intended for development --- ## Short answer for an interview > **An annotated tag is a Git tag that is a separate object and contains metadata (author, date, message). It is used to mark releases and versions.**For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.