lockfile

A lockfile is a file used in software development to record the exact versions of dependencies or packages that a project relies on. Its purpose is to ensure consistency across different environments by "locking" the dependencies to specific versions. When developers or automated systems install or update the project, the lockfile guides the process, making sure everyone uses the same setup, which helps prevent bugs caused by version differences. Think of it as a snapshot that captures the precise state of a project's dependencies at a given time for reliable and repeatable builds.