Lock File

Definitions

1. A file generated by a package manager — such as `package-lock.json` (npm), `yarn.lock`, `Gemfile.lock`, or `poetry.lock` — that records the exact resolved versions of every dependency in the tree, ensuring reproducible installs across machines and CI environments.

   In plain English: A file that records exactly which versions of every dependency were installed, so everyone on the team gets the same ones.

   Example: "Never .gitignore the lock file — without it, CI might resolve a different version than what you tested locally and you'll get mystery failures."

Related Terms

• Manifest
• Nixpkgs
• Node Module
• Package Lock
• R Package
• Registry
• Third-Party Library
• Upgrade
• Transitive Dependency
• Classpath