CI/CD inputs: Secure and preferred method to pass parameters to a pipeline

This post introduces and details GitLab CI/CD inputs as a secure and preferred method for passing parameters to pipelines. It highlights the limitations and risks of using CI/CD variables for this purpose, such as lack of type validation, runtime mutability, and security concerns. The post explains how inputs provide type safety, validation at pipeline creation time, and flexibility in interpolation, enabling unique job naming and reducing maintenance overhead through reusable templates. It contrasts variable-based approaches with input-based solutions using code examples.