TF-004 Understand Terraform basics Practice Question
Which of the following commands creates an execution plan that shows what resources will be created, updated, or destroyed?
⚠ Common exam trap
HashiCorp Terraform often tests the distinction between `terraform plan` (preview only) and `terraform apply` (executes changes), trapping candidates who confuse the purpose of these commands.
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 plan
The `terraform plan` command creates an execution plan by comparing the current state against the configuration, showing what resources will be created, updated, or destroyed without making any changes. This is the correct command for previewing infrastructure changes before applying them.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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terraform apply
Why it's wrong here
terraform apply executes changes against real infrastructure; it does not merely display what will be created, updated or destroyed. It tempts because it prompts with a plan before confirming, but that preview comes from terraform plan. Apply would be correct when you intend to actually provision the resources.
- ✓
terraform plan
Why this is correct
`terraform plan` performs a dry-run refresh and diff against state, then outputs the proposed changes as add, change, or destroy actions without applying them. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement for an execution plan showing what resources will be created, updated, or destroyed.
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terraform output
Why it's wrong here
terraform output reads values from state, printing stored output variables; it never computes a plan of pending changes. It tempts because it inspects infrastructure, but it would be correct for retrieving exported values after apply. terraform plan is the command that previews creations, updates and destructions.
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terraform destroy
Why it's wrong here
Destroy removes managed infrastructure rather than previewing changes; it applies deletions without showing a plan of creates or updates. It is tempting as the inverse of apply, and would be correct when deliberately tearing down all resources in a workspace.
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terraform validate
Why it's wrong here
terraform validate checks configuration syntax and internal consistency only; it produces no plan. It is tempting because it runs before planning in a typical workflow, but terraform plan is the command that shows resources to be created, updated, or destroyed.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This TF-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free HashiCorp certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the TF-004 exam.