Terraform is a popular Infrastructure as Code (IAC) solution for provisioning and managing cloud infrastructure. Utilizing "provisioners" to automate the installation and configuration of your infrastructure is one of Terraform's primary features.
In this article, we'll explore the advantages of using a Terraform provisioner and how it can make it easier for you to effectively manage your cloud infrastructure. We'll also examine some popular provisioner examples and how to include them in your Terraform code.
What Are Terraform Provisioners and How Do They Work?
Terraform Provisioners allow you to run scripts on a local or remote workstation as part of the resource generation or destruction process in Terraform. They are used to configure and provision Terraform's infrastructure resources.
A provisioner can be used to install software on a freshly formed virtual machine, run a script to configure a database, or copy files to a remote server, for example.
Provisioners are added as a resource block to Terraform resources. They are carried out after the resource has been created but before it is destroyed.
There are other provisioner kinds available, such as "local-exec" and "remote-exec," which allow you to perform commands on local or remote machines, respectively.
Terraform builds a resource by first creating the resource and then running any provisioners linked with it. Terraform will mark the resource as created after the provisioners have finished.
If a resource is being destroyed, Terraform will first run any provisioners linked with it before destroying the resource.
Provisioners are a significant Terraform feature that allows you to automate infrastructure setup and configuration, making it easier to manage and maintain your cloud environment.
What Are the Main Uses of Terraform Provisioners?
Terrafor Provisioners have a wide range of applications and can be used to automate numerous operations related to infrastructure setup and configuration. Terraform Provisioners are commonly used for the following purposes:
Common Examples of Terraform Provisioners Uses in Action
Here are some examples of how Terraform Provisioners are commonly utilized in practice:
- 1
Installing a Web Server
In this, an Apache web server is installed on a freshly built virtual machine using a Terraform provisioner. The command to install Apache and set it up to launch automatically upon booting would be executed by the provisioner.
- 2
Setting Up a Database
In this case, a virtual machine's MySQL or PostgreSQL database is set up using a Terraform provisioner. The commands to create a new database, a user, and a password would be executed by the provision.
- 3
File Transfer to a Distant Server
In this illustration, a Terraform provisioner is utilized to transfer files to a distant server. The files would be copied by the provisioner using a command like scp, and the permissions would be set on the copied files using other commands.
- 4
Implementing a Firewall Configuration Script
In this illustration, a Terraform provisioner is used to implement a firewall configuration script on a virtual machine. The firewall would be set up by the script to allow some ports while blocking others.
- 5
Making a User and Group
In this case, a virtual machine's user and group are made using a Terraform provisioner. Useradd and Groupadd are two commands that the provisioner would use to create users and groups and establish permissions.
- 6
Run a Command to Set Environment Variables
In this example, a Terraform provisioner is used to execute a command on a virtual machine that sets environment variables. The command may be something like export VAR1=value1.
What Types of Terraform Provisioners Are Available?
Terraform includes numerous provisioners that can be used to automate infrastructure setup and configuration activities. The following are the most prevalent types of provisioners.
Steps to Install and Run a Terraform Provisioner
The following are the steps for installing and running a Terraform Provisioner
- 1
Install Terraform
Before you can utilize Terraform Provisioners, you must first install Terraform on your local system. The Terraform website has the right version for your operating system.
- 2
Make a Terraform Configuration File
Next, make a Terraform configuration file that defines your infrastructure. This file should contain the resources you wish to build as well as any provisioners you intend to employ.
- 3
Initialize Terraform
Terraform must be initialized before it can be used. Run the terraform init command to download the required provider plugins and set up the backend for storing the state files.
- 4
Apply the Terraform Configuration
Once Terraform has been initialized, use the command terraform apply to apply your configuration. This will generate the resources indicated in your configuration file as well as run any provisioners you've specified.
- 5
Verify the Provisioning
After Terraform has been completed, you may view the status of the resources that were generated. You can also review the provisioner logs to see if there were any issues.
- 6
Destroy the Resources
When you're finished with them, use the terraform destroy command to destroy them. This will delete the resources that were produced and clear up any resources or settings that the provisioner left behind.
What Are the Advantages and Drawbacks of Terraform Provisioners?
Terraform Provisioners have several advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Drawbacks
Why Are Terraform Provisioners Usually the Last Resort?
Terraform Provisioners are normally used as a last resort to do activities that cannot be easily accomplished with Terraform's built-in resources and modules. One of the primary reasons is that they can complicate infrastructure management.
Provisioners necessitate additional configuration and setup, which can make managing and maintaining your infrastructure more complicated. Another reason is that they may introduce security problems.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Terraform Provisioners?
Various Terraform Provisioners alternatives can be used to configure and manage software and packages on your instances. These are some examples:
Each of these options have pros and cons, and the ideal option will rely on your individual needs and use case. It is important to thoroughly weigh your options and select the one that best meets your requirements.
Final Thoughts
In order to maintain the security, scalability, and reliability of your infrastructure, Terraform Provisioners are a valuable addition to your infrastructure management toolkit.
However, Terraform Provisioners should be used in conjunction with other tools and best practices should be followed to maximize the output.
Terraform Provisioners should only be used when absolutely necessary because they can complicate your infrastructure management which is a drawback.
