What are the best practices for using Terraform for server automation?

1 Use modules and variables

One of the benefits of Terraform is that it supports modularization and reusability of code. You can create modules that encapsulate a set of resources and their configurations, and then use them as building blocks for your infrastructure. Modules can also accept variables as inputs, which allow you to customize the module behavior and parameters without changing the code. Using modules and variables can help you reduce duplication, improve readability, and enable collaboration.

2 Manage state files carefully

Terraform uses state files to store the current state of your infrastructure and the mapping between your code and your resources. State files are essential for Terraform to perform actions such as planning, applying, and destroying your resources. However, state files can also pose some challenges, such as concurrency, security, and scalability. To manage state files effectively, you should use remote backends that store your state files in a secure and accessible location, such as a cloud storage service or a version control system. You should also use locking mechanisms to prevent concurrent modifications, and encrypt your state files to protect sensitive data.

5 Use providers and data sources wisely

Terraform relies on providers and data sources to interact with different cloud platforms and services. Providers are plugins that implement the logic and API calls for creating and managing resources on a specific platform, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Data sources are read-only objects that fetch information from a provider or an external source, such as a DNS record, a file, or a database. Using providers and data sources wisely can help you leverage the features and capabilities of different platforms and services, as well as reduce the complexity and dependency of your code.

6 Test and review your code regularly

The last best practice for using Terraform for server automation is to test and review your code regularly. Testing and reviewing your code can help you catch errors, bugs, and inconsistencies before they affect your infrastructure and cause downtime, data loss, or security breaches. You can use tools such as terraform plan and terraform apply to preview and execute your changes, and compare the expected and actual outcomes. You can also use tools such as terraform graph and terraform output to visualize and inspect your infrastructure. Additionally, you can use tools such as terraform lint and terraform taint to check and mark your code for quality and compliance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?