TF-004 Understand Terraform basics Practice Question

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

• ✓

  1. Terraform init, 2. Terraform plan, 3. Terraform apply

  Why this is correct

  This sequence represents the standard and recommended workflow for managing infrastructure with Terraform. First, `terraform init` prepares the working directory by downloading necessary provider plugins and modules, establishing the backend configuration. Next, `terraform plan` generates an execution plan, detailing all proposed infrastructure changes (create, update, destroy) without actually applying them, allowing for a crucial review. Finally, `terraform apply` executes this approved plan, provisioning or modifying the infrastructure to match the desired state defined in the configuration files.

• ✗

  1. Terraform plan, 2. Terraform init, 3. Terraform apply

  Why it's wrong here

  This order is incorrect because `terraform plan` cannot be executed before the working directory has been properly initialized. The `terraform init` command is responsible for downloading and configuring the required provider plugins and modules that enable Terraform to parse the configuration, understand resource types, and interact with cloud APIs. Without these foundational components, `terraform plan` would fail to generate an execution plan, making `init` an essential prerequisite.

• ✗

  1. Terraform init, 2. Terraform apply, 3. Terraform plan

  Why it's wrong here

  This sequence is incorrect because it bypasses the critical review step provided by `terraform plan`. While `terraform init` correctly prepares the environment, immediately running `terraform apply` would provision or modify infrastructure without first generating and inspecting an execution plan. This significantly increases the risk of unintended changes, resource misconfigurations, or unexpected costs, as there is no opportunity to preview the proposed actions before they are executed.

• ✗

  1. Terraform plan, 2. Terraform apply, 3. Terraform init

  Why it's wrong here

  This order is fundamentally flawed because both `terraform plan` and `terraform apply` require a properly initialized working directory to function. Attempting to run either command before `terraform init` will result in errors, as Terraform will lack the necessary provider plugins and modules to interpret the configuration or communicate with the target infrastructure. Furthermore, even if `init` were performed later, applying changes before planning them introduces significant risk, making this sequence entirely impractical and unsafe for infrastructure management.

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