Infrastructure as Code: Simplify Your Cloud Management Today!

How infrastructure as code powers HashiCorp Terraform

HashiCorp Terraform empowers cloud engineers. It also benefits architects. They can define infrastructure as code. Using HCL, engineers define and provision infrastructure. This includes public and private clouds. Developers create configuration files. These files describe the desired infrastructure. HashiCorp Terraform then processes these files. It creates, updates, or destroys the infrastructure accordingly.

Terraform follows a simple three-step process:

1. Write – Infrastructure is designed and defined in configuration files
2. Review – Infrastructure architects check the changes that will be executed
3. Apply – Terraform makes the specified infrastructure changes and updates a state file to confirm completion

Terraform has been designed for use with a wide range of platform resources, from cloud infrastructure platforms (public and private) to software as a service (SaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) offerings. Using “Terraform Providers” the software creates and manages resources on remote platforms and services via their native APIs.

The Terraform Registry contains details of thousands of pre-written providers, allowing users to manage infrastructure across well-known services including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Kubernetes, Helm, GitHub, Splunk and DataDog. Developers can also write their own Terraform Providers if required, allowing the software to be used with any infrastructure.

It is worth noting that developers can use JSON for infrastructure declarations if they prefer.

Is the HashiCorp Terraform framework free?

Terraform offers a limited free service. This allows developers to test the software. It supports up to 500 resources. Beyond this, HashiCorp Terraform uses an hourly billing model. It charges per resource.

Additionally, there are enterprise licensing options. These cater to organisations with specific needs. They may require advanced security, compliance, or operational features. These “Plus” and “Enterprise” plans have tailored pricing. This depends on the client’s usage and requirements.

How difficult is HashiCorp Terraform to learn?

HashiCorp Terraform has its own language. This declarative language defines infrastructure. The HashiCorp website provides resources. Hundreds of tutorials help developers learn. There is also an official certification path. This confirms developers’ skills.

Terraform also supports JSON. Therefore, developers with JSON experience may find it easier to learn.

Key features of infrastructure as code with HashiCorp Terraform

Terraform offers several benefits:

• Automation: Terraform automates infrastructure provisioning. This reduces deployment time and cost.
• Multi-cloud support: Terraform allows multi-cloud provisioning. You can manage services from various providers in one place.
• CI/CD integration: Terraform enhances CI/CD workflows. It automates infrastructure processes. This boosts productivity.
• Security and compliance: Terraform strengthens security and compliance. You can pre-define deployments to meet your requirements.
• Reusability: Terraform promotes a modular approach. You can reuse configuration files. This accelerates deployments and reduces development time.
• Extensibility: Terraform integrates with other HashiCorp products. This includes Sentinel and Vault. This extends functionality and enhances infrastructure.

Who uses HashiCorp Terraform?

HashiCorp Terraform has gained widespread adoption and is trusted by numerous renowned companies across various industries. Among the notable users of HashiCorp Terraform are:

• Petronas
• Deutsche Bank
• Decathlon
• Cruise
• Red Ventures
• Shop Style

These organisations leverage HashiCorp Terraform to streamline and automate their infrastructure management processes, reflecting the platform’s versatility and reliability. Additionally, Terraform has fostered a thriving community forum, allowing users to share knowledge, seek advice, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the tool. The broad user base and community support underscore Terraform’s position as a preferred choice for managing infrastructure as code in complex and dynamic environments.

How can I learn more? 

This article is part of a larger series focusing on the technologies and topics found in the first edition of the TechRadar by Devoteam. To see what our community of tech leaders said about the current position of Hashicorp Terraform in the market, have a look at the most recent edition of the TechRadar by Devoteam.