Terraform
Terraform is an infrastructure-as-code tool for defining and managing cloud and on-premises resources with human-readable configuration files. Its central workflow is to write configuration, review a proposed execution plan, then apply approved changes. Providers connect Terraform to services through APIs; the Registry includes providers for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Kubernetes, GitHub, and Splunk. Modules package reusable configurations that users can find or publish in the Registry. The free Community Edition is a downloadable command-line tool. HCP Terraform adds remote runs, repository connections to GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket that can trigger plans after changes, and an API. It stores state remotely with encryption at rest and provides workspaces, single sign-on, and role-based access controls. Sentinel policies are supported by HCP Terraform and Terraform Enterprise. Downloads are provided for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a Visual Studio Code extension and a language server for compatible editors. HCP Terraform Free allows up to 500 managed resources; paid options are priced per managed resource, while Enterprise pricing is custom. HashiCorp cautions that policies are guardrails, not a security boundary, and that trusted providers and modules matter because they can access workspace variables and state.
Who it is for
Terraform Community Edition is aimed at practitioners who want a downloadable tool. HCP Terraform's free features are described as suitable for small teams, while larger organizations can use paid collaboration and governance features.
What is good
- Configuration plans can be reviewed before changes are applied.
- Registry provides providers and reusable modules.
- Free Community Edition is a downloadable command-line tool.
- HCP Terraform includes remote state encryption and access controls.
- Sentinel policies support infrastructure standards and security rules.
What to know first
- HCP Terraform Free is limited to 500 managed resources.
- Some providers and modules can access workspace variables and state.
- Policy-as-code is a guardrail, not a security boundary.
- Enterprise pricing is custom and requires contacting sales.
Verdict
Terraform offers a configuration-based workflow, with a free command-line edition and additional remote collaboration and governance in HCP Terraform. Consider provider and module trust as well as resource limits when choosing how to use it.
Terraform plans and pricing
All plansCompared on cloud management software
- Free plan
- Yes
