Terraform apply for execution - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the terraform apply command do?

It executes the planned changes to create, update, or delete infrastructure resources as defined in the Terraform configuration files.

beginner

Why is it recommended to run terraform plan before terraform apply?

Because terraform plan shows the changes Terraform will make, helping you review and avoid unexpected modifications before applying them.

intermediate

What happens if you run terraform apply without a saved plan file?

Terraform will create a new plan automatically and prompt you to approve it before applying the changes.

intermediate

How can you apply a previously saved plan file with Terraform?

Use terraform apply <plan-file-name> to apply the exact changes from the saved plan without re-planning.

intermediate

What is the purpose of the -auto-approve flag in terraform apply?

It skips the interactive approval prompt and applies changes immediately, useful for automation but should be used carefully.

What does terraform apply primarily do?

A Deletes all infrastructure immediately

B Only shows planned changes without applying

C Creates or updates infrastructure based on configuration

D Validates syntax of configuration files

terraform apply executes the changes to infrastructure as defined in the configuration.

Which command should you run before terraform apply to review changes?

A terraform destroy

B terraform plan

C terraform init

D terraform validate

terraform plan shows the changes Terraform will make before applying.

What happens if you use terraform apply -auto-approve?

A Terraform cancels the apply process

B Terraform will ask for confirmation before applying

C Terraform only creates a plan but does not apply

D Terraform applies changes without asking for confirmation

The -auto-approve flag skips the confirmation prompt and applies changes immediately.

How do you apply a saved plan file named myplan.tfplan?

A terraform apply myplan.tfplan

B terraform plan myplan.tfplan

C terraform init myplan.tfplan

D terraform destroy myplan.tfplan

Use terraform apply <plan-file> to apply a saved plan.

If you run terraform apply without a plan file, what happens?

A Terraform creates a new plan and asks for approval

B Terraform deletes all resources

C Terraform fails with an error

D Terraform skips applying changes

Terraform automatically creates a plan and prompts for approval before applying.

Explain the purpose and typical workflow of the terraform apply command.

Think about how Terraform changes your cloud setup after planning.

Describe how to safely automate Terraform apply in a CI/CD pipeline.

Automation means no manual approval but still safe.