Terraform is an open-source infrastructure as code software tool where you write programs in a custom, domain-specific language. In this article, the basics of the tool are presented as well as key features that differentiate Terraform from its peers. If you are looking to use Terraform, this article provides a few reasons why this could be advantageous to you and it what situations the tool can be used. As for some brief background on the tool, it has been well-regarded by many industry professionals over the course of its so-far brief lifespan. Much of the frustrations professionals have had with it so far come from confusion regarding bugs or a bit of disorganization within the platform. Overall, the tool has been met with positive reviews of its many different functionalities, which are examined here.
Use Terraform If Working Collaboratively
What Terraformhas certainly gotten right in its brief time as a tool (it originated in 2014) is the functionality it has that allows for collaboration across teams and saving of files within its system. In today’s climate of coding, the functionality of being able to store items that can be used across teams and departments is essential to any infrastructure as a code tool. What Terraform provides is this ability to collaborate within a company from multiple teams or departments. Another asset for Terraform’s collaborative capabilities comes in the form of access. Hashicorp, Terraform’s developer, has a vault for secret management and temporary credentials. Owners are able to give out temporary credentials so anyone they would like can have access to the program. While Terraform still lacks some of the ease of usability that other tools have, the ability to collaborate while using it is a major boost to the tool for all types of users. This collaboration will only become more useful as Terraform grows its user base.
Use Terraform to Connect With a Large Number of Providers
Terraform has the capability to connect with a large number of cloud providers. What about this ability to connect is important? With Terraform, you can manage the same type of environment in different cloud providers from a single source. Essentially, there is a single functionality running through different configurations. Terraform acts as a single black box through which you can work in many different providers all managed through one tool. Think of Terraform as a source through which many rivers can flow out of. They can all meet in the central language of Terraform, which you will acquaint yourself with and be able to manage all of the individual cloud providers from. The number of providers that you will be required to work through is not going to decrease any time soon, and the functionality that Terraform provides here is a unique ability to simplify this process of working through these different providers.
Use Terraform For Your Clients
Another potential use of Terraform is to use it for clients that have infrastructure that they need to implement as code. In working with clients, Terraform can be an easy common tool to use. It’s also a recommended tool for many companies that need to have functionality on different cloud programs.
As you can see, there are many reasons to use Terraform as an infrastructure as code software tool. While the tool is still relatively new in its field and still evolving, it has shown a few functional use cases where it is able to be of service. As always, you should be sure to run a decision to switch to Terraform by your colleagues and fellow users before making a switch. In order to truly get the most out of the tool, it does take time to become acquainted with its intricacies and unique characteristics. Once you log some time using it, you’ll be able to experience first-hand the benefits listed above as well as be able to compare it to similar tools that are also on the market.