Infrastructure as code

Definition

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a practice in software development and operations where infrastructure is provisioned and managed using code and automation tools, rather than manual processes. This approach allows teams to define their infrastructure through configuration files, making it easy to deploy, replicate, and manage environments efficiently and consistently. It connects directly with automated deployment processes, configuration management tools, and cloud orchestration platforms that facilitate the management of cloud resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IaC enables consistent environments by allowing developers to use the same code for development, testing, and production setups.
2. By using IaC, teams can automate infrastructure provisioning, leading to faster deployments and reduced human error.
3. IaC supports best practices like version control and testing, making it easier to track changes and roll back if necessary.
4. Popular tools for implementing IaC include AWS CloudFormation, Terraform, Ansible, and Chef, each offering unique features suited for different needs.
5. IaC promotes collaboration between development and operations teams by bridging gaps through shared scripts and practices.

Review Questions

• How does Infrastructure as Code facilitate collaboration between development and operations teams?
  • Infrastructure as Code promotes collaboration by allowing both development and operations teams to use the same configuration scripts. This shared approach reduces misunderstandings about how infrastructure is set up and maintained. By having a single source of truth in code form, teams can communicate more effectively regarding changes, enhancements, or troubleshooting.
• Evaluate the benefits of using Infrastructure as Code in conjunction with cloud orchestration platforms like AWS CloudFormation or Azure Resource Manager.
  • Using Infrastructure as Code with cloud orchestration platforms streamlines resource provisioning and management. These platforms enable teams to define infrastructure declaratively through code, which automates resource creation and configuration. This results in faster deployment times, less risk of errors due to manual setup processes, and ensures that environments are consistent across development, staging, and production.
• Assess how the principles of Infrastructure as Code align with cloud-native automation best practices in modern software development.
  • The principles of Infrastructure as Code align seamlessly with cloud-native automation best practices by promoting agility, scalability, and reliability in software development. IaC encourages automation at every stage of the infrastructure lifecycle, enabling continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices. This ensures that infrastructure changes are treated with the same rigor as application code changes, leading to better reliability through versioning, testing, and automated rollbacks when necessary.

Related terms

Declarative Configuration: A method of specifying the desired state of infrastructure without detailing the steps to achieve that state, allowing the system to handle the implementation automatically.

Version Control: A system that records changes to files over time, enabling teams to track modifications, collaborate effectively, and revert to previous versions of code or infrastructure configurations.

Immutable Infrastructure: An approach where infrastructure components are replaced rather than modified; when updates are needed, new instances are created, ensuring a consistent environment and reducing configuration drift.