A lifecycle rule changes or expires objects according to a scope and timing. A prefix filter can protect active data from a rule meant for old reports. Transition and expiration are different: one changes storage class; the other removes data under the rule. Versioned buckets also need explicit attention to noncurrent versions.
Storage-class choice starts with access and recovery needs. An archive class can require retrieval before use, while frequent-access data has different needs. Do not infer a price from a class name. Real charges and minimum-duration rules require current vendor pricing; this course uses clearly labeled example rates when arithmetic is required. Read a lifecycle rule as a complete policy, including its enabled status, prefix, and treatment of old versions.