BeginnerPhone
2 min
Annotated vs Lightweight Git Tags
GitVersion ControlRelease Engineering
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Interview Question
What is the difference between an annotated tag and a lightweight tag in Git, and when would you choose each?
Key Points to Cover
- Annotated tags are full objects with metadata/signature; lightweight are pointers to a commit
- Annotated preferred for releases (authors, messages, signing)
- Lightweight for quick local markers or temporary refs
Evaluation Rubric
Defines annotated tags and benefits40% weight
Defines lightweight tags and use30% weight
Provides correct selection guidance30% weight
Hints
- 💡Mention `-a`, `-s`, and `git describe`.
Potential Follow-up Questions
- ❓How do you push tags to remote?
- ❓How to delete a remote tag?
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