Terraform init for initialization - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the terraform init command?

terraform init sets up your working directory for Terraform. It downloads necessary provider plugins and prepares the backend for storing state.

beginner

When should you run terraform init?

You run terraform init when you start a new Terraform project or after changing backend or provider configurations.

intermediate

What happens if you run terraform init multiple times in the same directory?

Terraform will check and update plugins and backend settings if needed. It is safe to run multiple times to refresh setup.

intermediate

What is a backend in Terraform and how does terraform init relate to it?

A backend stores Terraform state remotely or locally. terraform init configures the backend so Terraform knows where to save state.

beginner

How does terraform init handle provider plugins?

It downloads the required provider plugins specified in your configuration to your local machine so Terraform can communicate with cloud services.

What does terraform init NOT do?

A Download provider plugins

B Apply infrastructure changes

C Initialize backend configuration

D Prepare working directory

terraform init prepares the environment but does not apply any changes. Applying changes is done with terraform apply.

When should you run terraform init?

A Only when destroying infrastructure

B Every time you want to apply changes

C After writing your Terraform files for the first time

D Never, it runs automatically

You run terraform init after creating or changing your Terraform configuration files to set up the environment.

What does terraform init configure related to state?

A It configures the backend where state is stored

B It encrypts the state file

C It deletes old state files

D It creates the state file manually

terraform init sets up the backend configuration which determines where Terraform state is saved.

If you add a new provider to your Terraform config, what should you do next?

A Run <code>terraform destroy</code>

B Run <code>terraform apply</code> immediately

C Delete the old provider files manually

D Run <code>terraform init</code> to download the new provider

Running terraform init downloads any new providers your configuration needs.

Can you run terraform init multiple times safely?

A Yes, it refreshes plugins and backend

B No, it will corrupt your state

C Only once per project

D Only after destroying infrastructure

Running terraform init multiple times is safe and updates your setup as needed.

Explain what terraform init does and why it is important before running other Terraform commands.

Think about setting up your workspace before starting work.

Describe when and how you would use terraform init in a new Terraform project.

Consider the first step after creating your infrastructure code.