Write advanced Terraform configurations using resources, data sources, variables, outputs, and expressions.
This domain covers writing Terraform configuration in depth. It includes using and differentiating resource and data blocks, creating cross-resource references, working with variables and outputs, understanding complex types like lists, maps, and objects, writing dynamic configuration using expressions and functions, defining resource dependencies, validating with custom conditions, and managing sensitive data including secrets with Vault.
5 minutes
5 Questions
Terraform Configuration refers to the set of files written in HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) or JSON that define the infrastructure resources you want to create, manage, and provision. These configuration files serve as the blueprint for your infrastructure and are the foundation of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices.
A Terraform configuration typically consists of several key components:
**Providers**: These are plugins that interact with cloud platforms, SaaS providers, and other APIs. You declare which providers your configuration requires, such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or Kubernetes.
**Resources**: These are the most important elements in your configuration. Resources describe the infrastructure objects you want to create, such as virtual machines, networks, storage buckets, or DNS records. Each resource belongs to a specific provider.
**Variables**: Input variables allow you to parameterize your configurations, making them reusable and flexible. You can define default values or pass values at runtime.
**Outputs**: Output values expose information about your infrastructure after Terraform applies the configuration. These can be used for reference or passed to other configurations.
**Data Sources**: These allow you to fetch information from existing infrastructure or external sources that Terraform does not manage.
**Modules**: Modules are containers for multiple resources that are used together. They promote reusability and organization of your configurations.
Configuration files use the .tf extension and are typically organized in a root directory. When you run Terraform commands, it processes all .tf files in the current directory. The configuration syntax is declarative, meaning you describe the desired end state rather than the steps to achieve it.
Terraform validates configurations for syntax errors, checks provider requirements, and creates an execution plan before making any changes. This approach ensures predictable infrastructure deployments and enables version control of your infrastructure definitions.Terraform Configuration refers to the set of files written in HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) or JSON that define the infrastructure resources you want to create, manage, and provision. These configuration files serve as the blueprint for your infrastructure and are the foundation of Infrast…