Import limitations and considerations in Terraform - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the Terraform import command do?

It brings existing infrastructure resources into Terraform's management by adding them to the state file without changing the actual resource.

intermediate

Why can't Terraform import multiple resources at once?

Terraform import works on one resource at a time because each resource requires a unique address and ID to be mapped correctly in the state file.

beginner

What must you do after importing a resource to Terraform?

You must write the matching Terraform configuration code for the imported resource to avoid discrepancies between the state and configuration.

intermediate

Can Terraform import resources that are not supported by the provider?

No, Terraform can only import resources that the provider supports and has import functionality for.

advanced

What is a common consideration when importing resources with dependencies?

You should import resources in the correct order (dependencies first) to maintain relationships and avoid errors in the state.

What does Terraform import update?

A The Terraform state file

B The cloud provider's resource configuration

C The Terraform configuration files

D The Terraform backend settings

Terraform import updates the state file to include the existing resource but does not change configuration files or the actual resource.

Which of the following is a limitation of Terraform import?

A It requires manual configuration code after import

B It automatically generates configuration code

C It can import multiple resources simultaneously

D It changes the resource in the cloud provider

Terraform import does not generate configuration code; you must write it manually to match the imported resource.

If a resource has dependencies, what should you do when importing?

A Ignore dependencies during import

B Import the resource without dependencies first

C Import the dependent resources first

D Import all resources at once

Import resources without dependencies first (i.e., the dependencies) to ensure the state reflects correct relationships and avoids errors.

Can Terraform import a resource that the provider does not support?

A Only if manually configured

B No, only supported resources can be imported

C Yes, always

D Yes, but only with plugins

Terraform import only works for resources supported by the provider with import functionality.

What happens if Terraform configuration does not match the imported resource?

A Terraform will automatically fix the configuration

B Terraform deletes the resource

C Terraform ignores the mismatch

D Terraform will show a difference and may try to change the resource

Terraform detects differences and may attempt to update the resource to match the configuration.

Explain the key limitations and considerations when using Terraform import.

Think about what import changes and what you must do after.

Describe the steps you should take after importing a resource into Terraform.

Consider how to keep Terraform state and config consistent.