Terraform import command - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the Terraform import command?

The Terraform import command is used to bring existing infrastructure resources into Terraform's management without recreating them.

beginner

How does Terraform import affect the state file?

Terraform import adds the existing resource to the Terraform state file, allowing Terraform to track and manage it going forward.

intermediate

Can Terraform import create resource configuration automatically?

No, Terraform import only updates the state file. You must manually write the resource configuration in your Terraform files to match the imported resource.

beginner

What is the general syntax of the Terraform import command?

terraform import [options] <resource_type.resource_name> <resource_id>

intermediate

Why is it important to match the resource configuration with the imported resource?

If the configuration does not match the imported resource, Terraform may try to change or recreate the resource during the next apply.

What does the Terraform import command do?

A Adds existing resources to Terraform state

B Creates new resources in the cloud

C Deletes resources from the cloud

D Generates Terraform configuration files automatically

Terraform import adds existing resources to the Terraform state so Terraform can manage them.

After importing a resource, what must you do next?

A Write matching resource configuration in Terraform files

B Run terraform destroy immediately

C Nothing, Terraform manages it automatically

D Delete the resource manually

You must write the resource configuration to match the imported resource so Terraform can manage it properly.

Which file does Terraform update when you run terraform import?

A Terraform output file

B Terraform configuration file

C Terraform variables file

D Terraform state file

Terraform import updates the state file to include the imported resource.

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

A Terraform deletes the resource automatically

B Terraform ignores the difference

C Terraform may try to change or recreate the resource

D Terraform exports the resource

Mismatch causes Terraform to try to fix the difference, which may lead to changes or recreation.

Which is the correct syntax for importing a resource?

A terraform import i-1234567890abcdef0 aws_instance.myvm

B terraform import aws_instance.myvm i-1234567890abcdef0

C terraform import myvm aws_instance i-1234567890abcdef0

D terraform import aws_instance i-1234567890abcdef0 myvm

The syntax is terraform import .

Explain how the Terraform import command works and why it is useful.

Think about how Terraform tracks resources and what import changes.

Describe the steps you take after running terraform import to fully manage a resource.

Import updates state but configuration is needed for management.