Which Terraform command validates the syntax and configuration before planning or applying?

Which Terraform command validates the syntax and configuration before planning or applying?

• A. terraform plan
• B. terraform apply
• C. terraform validate
• D. terraform fmt

Answer: (C)

Static validation of Terraform configuration is about catching syntax and configuration errors before you plan or apply. The command terraform validate performs a local, static check of all Terraform files in your working directory. It parses the configuration, resolves references, and ensures definitions and types align, catching syntax errors, missing or unresolved variables, and internal inconsistencies without touching real infrastructure or requiring access to providers. This lets you fail fast on issues in your code before you generate an plan or make any changes. In contrast, a plan shows what would change if you apply, and an apply actually makes those changes. Formatting with terraform fmt only adjusts the styling of your code and does not verify the correctness of the configuration. Using validate first helps you ensure your configuration is structurally sound before proceeding with planning or applying.

Static validation of Terraform configuration is about catching syntax and configuration errors before you plan or apply. The command terraform validate performs a local, static check of all Terraform files in your working directory. It parses the configuration, resolves references, and ensures definitions and types align, catching syntax errors, missing or unresolved variables, and internal inconsistencies without touching real infrastructure or requiring access to providers. This lets you fail fast on issues in your code before you generate an plan or make any changes.

In contrast, a plan shows what would change if you apply, and an apply actually makes those changes. Formatting with terraform fmt only adjusts the styling of your code and does not verify the correctness of the configuration. Using validate first helps you ensure your configuration is structurally sound before proceeding with planning or applying.