Why Terraform matters
Terraform turns cloud infrastructure into code. This makes infrastructure easier to review, repeat, document, and recover.
Core best practices
Terraform should be treated like production application code.
- Use remote state
- Lock state during changes
- Separate environments
- Use modules carefully
- Review plans before apply
- Never hardcode secrets
Module discipline
Modules can simplify infrastructure, but overusing them too early creates unnecessary abstraction. Start simple, then create modules when patterns repeat.
Operational discipline
Terraform needs process, not just files.
- Use pull requests
- Run terraform plan in CI
- Restrict production applies
- Tag resources consistently
- Document ownership
Need expert help?
If your team needs help with this topic, CloudOps Velocity can help you design, implement, and operate the right cloud infrastructure.
FAQ
Why use Terraform?
Terraform helps teams create repeatable, version-controlled cloud infrastructure instead of making manual changes.
What is the biggest Terraform mistake?
Poor state management is one of the biggest Terraform mistakes because it can break infrastructure workflows.