Terraform in GitLab CI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of using Terraform in GitLab CI?

Terraform in GitLab CI automates the process of creating, changing, and managing infrastructure as code during the software development lifecycle.

beginner

Which GitLab CI file defines the Terraform pipeline stages?

The .gitlab-ci.yml file defines the pipeline stages, including Terraform commands like init, plan, and apply.

intermediate

Why should Terraform state files be stored remotely in GitLab CI pipelines?

Storing Terraform state files remotely ensures team collaboration, prevents state conflicts, and keeps state data safe and consistent across pipeline runs.

beginner

What is the role of the terraform plan command in GitLab CI?

terraform plan shows the changes Terraform will make to the infrastructure without applying them, helping to review before deployment.

intermediate

How do you securely provide Terraform variables and credentials in GitLab CI?

Use GitLab CI environment variables or GitLab's secret management to securely pass sensitive data to Terraform during pipeline execution.

Which file is essential to configure Terraform jobs in GitLab CI?

A variables.tf

B terraform.tfstate

C main.tf

D .gitlab-ci.yml

The .gitlab-ci.yml file defines the CI/CD pipeline including Terraform jobs.

What does the terraform init command do in a GitLab CI pipeline?

A Deletes existing infrastructure

B Applies infrastructure changes

C Initializes Terraform and downloads required providers

D Shows planned changes without applying

terraform init prepares the working directory by downloading providers and setting up backend.

Why is remote state storage recommended in GitLab CI pipelines using Terraform?

A To allow multiple users to share the state safely

B To speed up pipeline execution

C To avoid writing any state files

D To store pipeline logs

Remote state storage prevents conflicts and allows team collaboration.

How can sensitive Terraform variables be securely passed in GitLab CI?

A Using GitLab CI environment variables marked as protected

B Hardcoding in .gitlab-ci.yml

C Storing in public Git repository

D Passing as plain text in pipeline logs

Protected environment variables keep sensitive data secure during pipeline runs.

What is the main benefit of running terraform plan before terraform apply in GitLab CI?

A To delete old infrastructure

B To preview infrastructure changes before applying

C To initialize Terraform

D To store state remotely

terraform plan helps review changes to avoid mistakes.

Explain how Terraform integrates with GitLab CI to automate infrastructure deployment.

Think about the pipeline steps and how Terraform commands fit in.

Describe best practices for managing Terraform state and secrets in GitLab CI pipelines.

Focus on security and collaboration aspects.