Terraform is a powerful Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool that allows you to define and manage your infrastructure with simple, human-readable configuration files. As you dive into Terraform, mastering its essential commands is key to effectively managing your cloud infrastructure.

1. terraform init

Initializes a working directory. Run this first to set up your environment.

terraform init

Output:

2. terraform plan

Generates an execution plan, allowing you to preview the changes Terraform will make to your infrastructure. It helps you avoid unintended changes.

terraform plan

Output:

3. terraform apply

Applies the changes defined in your Terraform configuration. This command provisions or updates your infrastructure.

terraform apply

Output:

If everything looks good, type yes to proceed

Terraform will then provision the resources

4. terraform destroy

Removes all resources managed by Terraform. Use this when you want to clean up or decommission an environment.

terraform destroy

Output:

5.terraform refresh

Updates the Terraform state file to reflect the current state of your infrastructure

terraform refresh

6. terraform import

Allows you to bring existing infrastructure under Terraform management.

terraform import