HashiCorp Terraform 003 State Guide

HashiCorp Terraform 003 state guide covering backends, locking, import, drift, and replacement decisions.

This chapter matters because Terraform is not only about writing configuration. It is also about keeping state trustworthy and handling drift, import, and intentional replacement safely.

Work this chapter in order

Lesson Focus
5.1 Backends, Locking, and Workspaces Learn where state lives and how teams keep it safe.
5.2 Import, Drift, Replace, and Repair Learn how Terraform handles existing resources and change after reality diverges.

Fast routing inside this chapter

If the question is really about… Go first to…
state location, collaboration, or workspaces 5.1 Backends & Workspaces
existing resources, drift, or repair actions 5.2 Import & Drift

What strong answers usually do

  • keep backend, workspace, and module concepts separate
  • remember import changes management, not creation history
  • treat drift as a state-and-reality problem first

In this section

Revised on Sunday, May 10, 2026