- A
terraform apply --resource=google_sql_database_instance.main
Why wrong: `--resource` is not a valid Terraform flag. Use `-target` to target specific resources.
- B
terraform apply -target=google_sql_database_instance.main
The `-target` flag limits apply to the specified resource and its direct dependencies — creating only the Cloud SQL instance from the 15-resource plan.
- C
terraform apply -only=google_sql_database_instance.main
Why wrong: `-only` is not a valid Terraform flag. Targeted applies use `-target`.
- D
terraform plan --filter=google_sql_database_instance.main && terraform apply
Why wrong: `--filter` is not a valid Terraform plan flag. Running `terraform apply` after an unfiltered plan would apply all changes.
Question 824 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Terraform Apply a Specific Resource with -target
This ACE practice question tests your understanding of a team uses terraform to manage gcp infrastructure. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A team uses Terraform to manage GCP infrastructure. After running `terraform plan`, they see 15 resources to be created. They want to apply only the Cloud SQL instance (resource name: `google_sql_database_instance.main`) without applying all 15 changes. Which Terraform command targets a specific resource?
Quick Answer
The answer is `terraform apply -target=google_sql_database_instance.main`. This is correct because Terraform’s `-target` flag allows you to scope an operation to a specific resource address, instructing Terraform to apply only that resource and its dependencies while ignoring all other changes in the plan. On the Google Associate Cloud Engineer exam, this concept tests your understanding of Terraform’s execution granularity and safe partial deployments—a common trap is assuming you can use `-target` with a resource name alone, but the correct syntax requires the full resource address (type.name). A helpful memory tip is to think of `-target` as a laser pointer: it focuses Terraform’s action on exactly one resource, leaving the rest of the infrastructure untouched.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
terraform apply -target=google_sql_database_instance.main
Option B is correct because Terraform uses the `-target` flag to limit the operation to a specific resource address, allowing you to apply only the `google_sql_database_instance.main` resource without affecting the other 14 resources in the plan. This is the standard Terraform syntax for targeting a single resource during `apply` or `destroy` operations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
terraform apply --resource=google_sql_database_instance.main
Why it's wrong here
`--resource` is not a valid Terraform flag. Use `-target` to target specific resources.
- ✓
terraform apply -target=google_sql_database_instance.main
Why this is correct
The `-target` flag limits apply to the specified resource and its direct dependencies — creating only the Cloud SQL instance from the 15-resource plan.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
terraform apply -only=google_sql_database_instance.main
Why it's wrong here
`-only` is not a valid Terraform flag. Targeted applies use `-target`.
- ✗
terraform plan --filter=google_sql_database_instance.main && terraform apply
Why it's wrong here
`--filter` is not a valid Terraform plan flag. Running `terraform apply` after an unfiltered plan would apply all changes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Google Cloud often tests the distinction between valid Terraform flags like `-target` and common but invalid flags such as `--resource`, `-only`, or `--filter`, exploiting candidates' familiarity with other tools (e.g., `kubectl` or `gcloud`) that use similar but different syntax.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `-target` flag in Terraform uses resource address syntax (e.g., `google_sql_database_instance.main`) and can also target modules or resources within modules using addresses like `module.foo.google_sql_database_instance.main`. Under the hood, Terraform builds a dependency graph and applies only the targeted resource and its dependencies, which can cause unintended side effects if dependencies are not fully understood, such as creating a dependent resource that was not intended to be created.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ACE question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: terraform apply -target=google_sql_database_instance.main — Option B is correct because Terraform uses the `-target` flag to limit the operation to a specific resource address, allowing you to apply only the `google_sql_database_instance.main` resource without affecting the other 14 resources in the plan. This is the standard Terraform syntax for targeting a single resource during `apply` or `destroy` operations.
What should I do if I get this ACE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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