What is Terraform?

A tool for describing cloud infrastructure in files and creating it automatically.

In plain English

Terraform is an infrastructure-as-code tool. You write what you want, such as networks, servers and databases, in configuration files. Terraform compares that with what exists and makes the changes needed. Because the files live in version control, infrastructure changes can be reviewed and repeated.

Example

Running the same Terraform files in a test account and a production account creates matching environments.

Easy to confuse with

• GitOps: Terraform defines infrastructure from code. GitOps uses Git as the source of truth for what should be running and keeps the system matching it.

Where you will meet it

This idea belongs to the subject area of these practice tests. We do not publish or predict real exam questions.

• KCNA practice tests

Related terms

• DevOps: Ways of working that bring software development and operations together so software ships faster and more reliably.
• GitOps: Using a Git repository as the single source of truth for what should be running, with software that keeps the live system matching it.
• CI/CD: Automatically building, testing and delivering code every time it changes.

Written and checked by the Be Ready Education team, last reviewed 2 November 2026. General study information, not professional advice. Providers change names and rules, so confirm details on the official documentation. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any certification vendor or exam body. Certification names, exam codes and product names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the exam a practice product prepares for. Our questions are original and are not actual exam questions.