Terraform in GitHub Actions - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the main purpose of using Terraform in GitHub Actions?

To automate infrastructure deployment and management directly from GitHub workflows, enabling continuous infrastructure as code.

beginner

Which GitHub Actions step is used to initialize Terraform before applying changes?

The terraform init command initializes the working directory containing Terraform configuration files.

intermediate

Why should Terraform state files be stored remotely when using GitHub Actions?

To allow multiple runs and team members to share the same state safely, preventing conflicts and ensuring consistent infrastructure state.

beginner

What is the role of secrets in GitHub Actions when running Terraform workflows?

Secrets securely store sensitive data like cloud provider credentials, which are injected into workflows without exposing them in logs or code.

beginner

How does the terraform plan step help in GitHub Actions workflows?

It previews the changes Terraform will make to the infrastructure, allowing review before applying to avoid unintended modifications.

What command should run first in a Terraform GitHub Actions workflow?

A terraform destroy

B terraform apply

C terraform plan

D terraform init

Terraform initialization sets up the working directory and downloads required providers before any other commands.

Where should Terraform state files be stored for safe collaboration in GitHub Actions?

A Locally on the runner

B In the GitHub repository

C In a remote backend like AWS S3 or Terraform Cloud

D In environment variables

Remote backends allow shared access and locking to prevent state conflicts.

How do you securely provide cloud credentials to Terraform in GitHub Actions?

A Hardcode them in the workflow file

B Use GitHub Secrets and inject them as environment variables

C Store them in the Terraform configuration files

D Send them via email

GitHub Secrets keep sensitive data safe and inject them securely during workflow runs.

What does the terraform apply command do in a GitHub Actions workflow?

A Applies the planned infrastructure changes

B Initializes Terraform providers

C Shows planned changes without applying

D Deletes all infrastructure

It executes the changes to create, update, or delete infrastructure resources.

Why include a terraform plan step before terraform apply?

A To preview changes and catch errors early

B To speed up deployment

C To delete old resources

D To initialize Terraform

Planning helps review changes and avoid mistakes before applying.

Explain the typical steps in a GitHub Actions workflow that uses Terraform to deploy infrastructure.

Think about setup, review, and deployment phases.

Describe why storing Terraform state remotely is important when using GitHub Actions.

Consider collaboration and safety.