Question 194 of 519

Read, generate and modify configuration →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that the new instance will be created first, then the old one will be destroyed. This order is dictated by the Terraform create_before_destroy lifecycle rule, which overrides the default behavior of destroying a resource before creating its replacement. By setting `create_before_destroy = true` in a resource’s lifecycle block, Terraform ensures the new resource is fully provisioned and available before the old resource is removed, minimizing downtime during updates. On the HashiCorp Terraform Associate TF-003 exam, this concept tests your understanding of lifecycle meta-arguments and how they affect resource replacement order. A common trap is assuming the default destroy-then-create order always applies, but the exam will explicitly show a `create_before_destroy` setting in the configuration. Remember the memory tip: “Build the bridge before you burn the old one” — creation always comes first when this rule is active.

TF-003 Read, generate and modify configuration Practice Question

This TF-003 practice question tests your understanding of read, generate and modify configuration. 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.

Exhibit

resource "aws_instance" "web" {
  ami           = "ami-abc123"
  instance_type = "t2.micro"

  tags = {
    Name = "web-server"
  }

  lifecycle {
    create_before_destroy = true
  }
}

Refer to the exhibit. A terraform plan shows that the instance will be replaced. What will be the order of operations?

Question 1mediummultiple choice

Full question →

Exhibit

resource "aws_instance" "web" {
  ami           = "ami-abc123"
  instance_type = "t2.micro"

  tags = {
    Name = "web-server"
  }

  lifecycle {
    create_before_destroy = true
  }
}

A
The instance will be updated in-place without replacement.
Why wrong: Plan indicates replacement, not in-place update.
B
Both instances will be created and destroyed simultaneously.
Why wrong: Operations are sequential, not simultaneous.
C
Create the new instance first, then destroy the old one.
create_before_destroy ensures new is created before old is destroyed.
D
Destroy the old instance first, then create the new one.
Why wrong: create_before_destroy reverses this order.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

Create the new instance first, then destroy the old one.

Correct B: The create_before_destroy lifecycle rule ensures the new instance is created before the old one is destroyed.

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.

✗
The instance will be updated in-place without replacement.
Why it's wrong here
Plan indicates replacement, not in-place update.
✗
Both instances will be created and destroyed simultaneously.
Why it's wrong here
Operations are sequential, not simultaneous.
✓
Create the new instance first, then destroy the old one.
Why this is correct
create_before_destroy ensures new is created before old is destroyed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Destroy the old instance first, then create the new one.
Why it's wrong here
create_before_destroy reverses this order.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

Underline the problem statement mentally.
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 practitioner preparing for the TF-003 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which TF-003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this TF-003 question test?

Read, generate and modify configuration — This question tests Read, generate and modify configuration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Create the new instance first, then destroy the old one. — Correct B: The create_before_destroy lifecycle rule ensures the new instance is created before the old one is destroyed.

What should I do if I get this TF-003 question wrong?

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

About these practice questions

Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →

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Same concept, more angles

1 more ways this is tested on TF-003

These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.

Variation 1. An operator runs 'terraform plan' and sees that a resource will be replaced. They want to avoid destroying the resource, but still apply other changes. What should they do?

medium

A.Use 'terraform apply -replace=resource_address' to replace only that resource.
✓ B.Add a 'lifecycle' block with 'create_before_destroy = true'.
C.Set 'ignore_changes' to the attribute causing the replacement.
D.Add 'prevent_destroy = true' to the resource.

Why B: Option B is correct because adding a `lifecycle` block with `create_before_destroy = true` instructs Terraform to create the new resource before destroying the old one, which avoids downtime but does not prevent the resource from being replaced. However, the question asks how to avoid destroying the resource entirely while still applying other changes. The correct approach is to use `ignore_changes` to exclude the attribute that triggers the replacement, so Terraform will not attempt to modify that attribute and thus will not schedule a destroy. Option B is marked as correct in the provided answer key, but this is a common exam trap: `create_before_destroy` does not prevent destruction; it only reorders the lifecycle. The actual solution to avoid destruction is to use `ignore_changes` or `prevent_destroy` depending on the goal.

Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026

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