An artifact, in computer science, is an unintended or unpredictable result, especially one occurring in digital technology. Artifacts are generally undesirable and can be caused by a number of different factors, including hardware malfunctions, hardware mismatches, software coding errors, and anomalies in graphics operations.
Artifacts often manifest as visual or audio disturbances, such as audio crackling, graphical flickering, ghosting, motion blur, and other visual artifacts. In addition, artifacts can also lead to memory or system slowdowns, instability, and other undesirable effects.
Artifact resolution is an important part of maintaining computer systems. The process generally involves isolating the source of the artifact, troubleshooting for hardware and software conflicts, identifying the contributing components, and troubleshooting for loopholes in code or corrupted files. If necessary, hardware and software may be replaced or upgraded to reduce the chance of artifact occurrence.
The term “artifact” is also used to refer to a behavioral abnormality in computers. This type of artifact can include unexpected or unexplained computer behavior as well as malfunctions in system processes. Some of the most common types of artifacts include problems with data entry or video freezes, software application crashes, sluggish boot-up times, or network connectivity issues.
Artifact resolution should not be confused with debugging, which is the process of identifying and fixing coding errors in programs. Artifacts, on the other hand, are generally caused by hardware and software issues, rather than errors in code.
In computer graphics, artifacts can also refer to the intentional manipulation of a digital image, such as through the use of filters or special effects. This type of artifact is often used to create a particular visual effect or mood that can be difficult to achieve through other means.
