8 Terraform Best Practices that will improve your TF workflow immediately

Introduction

This tutorial outlines eight best practices for using Terraform, aimed at improving your workflow and enhancing your confidence in managing Infrastructure as Code. These practices are essential for both new and experienced users to optimize their use of Terraform in various projects.

Step 1: Manipulate State Only Through Terraform Commands

• Always use Terraform commands to modify the state file.
• Avoid manual edits to the state file as it can lead to corruption and inconsistencies.
• Use commands like terraform apply, terraform plan, and terraform destroy for all state modifications.

Step 2: Use Remote State

• Store your state file remotely to prevent data loss and facilitate collaboration.
• Utilize services like AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, or Terraform Cloud for remote state management.
• Ensure your remote state is configured correctly to improve accessibility and security.

Step 3: Implement State Locking

• Enable state locking to avoid concurrent modifications to the state file.
• Use Terraform's built-in support for locking when working with remote states.
• This prevents issues that can arise from multiple users applying changes simultaneously.

Step 4: Back Up State File

• Regularly back up your state files to avoid data loss.
• Use version control or automated backup solutions to save previous states.
• In case of corruption, having a backup allows for quick recovery.

Step 5: Use One State per Environment

• Maintain separate state files for different environments (e.g., development, staging, production).
• This separation minimizes the risk of accidental changes affecting other environments.
• Use Terraform workspaces or different state files to manage this effectively.

Step 6: Host Terraform Code in a Git Repository

• Store your Terraform code in a version-controlled Git repository.
• This practice enables better collaboration, version tracking, and rollback capabilities.
• Ensure that sensitive information is not included in the repository.

Step 7: Implement Continuous Integration for Terraform Code

• Set up a CI/CD pipeline for your Terraform code to automate testing and deployment.
• Use tools like GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or GitLab CI to run Terraform commands on code changes.
• This ensures that your infrastructure changes are tested before deployment.

Step 8: Execute Terraform Only in an Automated Build

• Avoid running Terraform commands manually in local environments.
• Use automated builds to execute Terraform commands, ensuring consistency and reliability.
• This approach reduces human error and improves the overall deployment process.

Conclusion

By following these eight best practices, you can significantly enhance your Terraform workflow. Implementing proper state management, utilizing version control, and automating your deployments are crucial for successful infrastructure management. Consider these practices as foundational steps to build a more robust and efficient Terraform experience.