**Discovery** in [[Computing|computing]] refers to the automated or semi-automated process by which a system identifies and catalogs resources, services, devices, or data within a network or computing environment without requiring manual input. Discovery mechanisms enable systems to detect and record the existence, configuration, and relationships of components such as [[Server (computing)|servers]], [[Network device|network devices]], [[Software application|applications]], and [[Service (computing)|services]], forming the basis for accurate [[IT asset management|IT asset management]], [[Configuration management|configuration management]], and [[Network management|network management]]. The resulting information is typically stored in a [[Configuration management database|configuration management database]] (CMDB) or similar repository for ongoing operational use. Discovery processes vary in scope and method depending on the environment and purpose. **Agent-based discovery** involves installing lightweight software agents on target systems that continuously report configuration and status information back to a central platform. **Agentless discovery** relies on standard network protocols such as [[Simple Network Management Protocol|SNMP]], [[Windows Management Instrumentation|WMI]], [[Secure Shell|SSH]], and [[Hypertext Transfer Protocol|HTTP]] to query systems remotely without requiring locally installed software. **Passive discovery** monitors network traffic to infer the presence and behavior of resources without actively interrogating them. Each approach involves trade-offs between depth of data collected, operational overhead, and the level of access required. Discovery is a foundational capability within [[IT service management|IT service management]] (ITSM) frameworks such as the [[ITIL|IT Infrastructure Library]] (ITIL), where it supports [[Change management (ITSM)|change management]], [[Incident management (ITSM)|incident management]], and [[Service mapping|service mapping]] by ensuring that configuration data remains current and accurate. Platforms such as [[ServiceNow]], [[BMC Software|BMC Helix]], and [[Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager|Microsoft SCCM]] provide enterprise discovery capabilities integrated with broader ITSM toolchains. In [[Cloud computing|cloud]] and [[Microservices|microservices]] environments, service discovery takes on additional significance, enabling dynamic systems to locate and communicate with services whose network locations may change frequently, often through tools such as [[Apache ZooKeeper|ZooKeeper]], [[Consul (software)|Consul]], or [[Kubernetes]] service registries.