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Setting up Terraform

Installation

  1. Visit the official Terraform website (terraform.io)
  2. Download the appropriate package for your operating system
  3. Extract the package and move the terraform binary to a directory in your system PATH
  4. Verify installation by running terraform version in your terminal

Configuring Credentials

Terraform needs access to your cloud provider's API. Here's how to set up credentials for common providers:

AWS

  • Install AWS CLI
  • Run aws configure and enter your AWS access key ID and secret access key

Azure

  • Install Azure CLI
  • Run az login to authenticate

Google Cloud

  • Install Google Cloud SDK
  • Run gcloud auth application-default login

Setting Up Your First Project

  1. Create a new directory for your Terraform project
  2. Create a file named main.tf in this directory
  3. Define your provider and resources in main.tf
  4. Initialize the project with terraform init

Best Practices for Project Structure

  • Use separate files for variables, outputs, and main configuration
  • Implement a consistent naming convention
  • Use modules for reusable components
  • Store sensitive data in a secure manner (e.g., using Terraform Cloud or HashiCorp Vault)

Following these steps will help you set up Terraform and prepare for your first infrastructure deployment.