Import state verification in Terraform - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does 'terraform import' do?

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

beginner

Why is verifying the imported state important?

To ensure Terraform's state matches the real resource settings, preventing accidental changes or deletions during future applies.

intermediate

How can you verify the imported resource state?

By running 'terraform plan' after import to see if Terraform wants to make any changes, indicating differences between state and real resource.

intermediate

What should you do if 'terraform plan' shows changes after import?

Review the differences carefully. Update your Terraform configuration to match the real resource or adjust the resource to match the configuration before applying.

beginner

Can 'terraform import' create new resources?

No, it only adds existing resources to the state. It does not create or modify resources during import.

What command do you use to bring an existing resource into Terraform's state?

A terraform plan

B terraform apply

C terraform init

D terraform import

'terraform import' adds existing resources to the Terraform state without changing them.

After importing a resource, which command helps verify if Terraform's state matches the real resource?

A terraform plan

B terraform destroy

C terraform validate

D terraform refresh

'terraform plan' shows any differences between the state and real resources.

If 'terraform plan' shows changes after import, what should you do?

A Ignore and run 'terraform apply' immediately

B Delete the resource manually

C Update configuration or resource to match each other

D Run 'terraform import' again

You should align your configuration and real resource to avoid unintended changes.

Does 'terraform import' modify the actual resource during import?

A No, it only updates the state

B No, it deletes the resource

C Yes, it deletes and recreates the resource

D Yes, it updates the resource

'terraform import' only updates the state file, not the real resource.

What is the main risk if you skip verifying the imported state?

A Terraform might create duplicate resources

B Terraform might delete or change resources unexpectedly

C Terraform will fail to run

D Terraform will ignore the resource

Without verification, Terraform may apply unwanted changes causing resource loss or misconfiguration.

Explain the process and importance of verifying Terraform state after importing a resource.

Think about how Terraform tracks resources and why state accuracy matters.

Describe what happens if you run 'terraform import' but do not verify the state before applying changes.

Consider the consequences of unmanaged differences.