Test file structure in Terraform - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of a test file in Terraform?

A test file in Terraform is used to check if your infrastructure code works as expected before applying changes. It helps catch errors early.

beginner

Where should Terraform test files be placed in your project?

Terraform test files are usually placed in a separate folder named tests or alongside your modules with a _test.tf suffix to keep tests organized and easy to find.

beginner

What naming convention is commonly used for Terraform test files?

Test files often use the suffix _test.tf to clearly indicate they contain tests, making it easy to separate them from main configuration files.

intermediate

Why is it important to keep test files separate from production Terraform files?

Keeping test files separate prevents accidental deployment of test resources and helps maintain a clean, understandable project structure.

intermediate

What tools can be used to run tests on Terraform configurations?

Tools like terraform validate, terraform plan, and third-party tools like terratest help automate testing of Terraform code.

Where is the best place to put Terraform test files?

A In the root directory only

B Mixed with production files without distinction

C Inside the <code>.terraform</code> hidden folder

D In a separate <code>tests</code> folder or with a <code>_test.tf</code> suffix

Test files should be organized separately or clearly named to avoid confusion and accidental deployment.

What suffix is commonly used for Terraform test files?

A _test.tf

B _prod.tf

C _config.tf

D _deploy.tf

The _test.tf suffix clearly marks files as tests.

Which command helps check Terraform code syntax before deployment?

A terraform apply

B terraform destroy

C terraform validate

D terraform output

terraform validate checks the syntax and configuration correctness.

Why keep test files separate from production files?

A To prevent accidental deployment of test resources

B To hide test files from version control

C To reduce file size

D To speed up deployment

Separating test files avoids deploying test resources by mistake.

Which tool is NOT typically used for testing Terraform code?

A terraform plan

B docker-compose

C terraform validate

D terratest

docker-compose is unrelated to Terraform testing.

Explain how you would organize test files in a Terraform project and why.

Think about how to keep test code apart from production code.

Describe the role of terraform validate in testing Terraform configurations.

It is a command to check your code before applying.