Short definitions for Terraform workflow, configuration, state, module, and HCP Terraform terms.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| State | Terraform’s record mapping configuration addresses to managed remote objects. |
| Provider | Plugin that communicates with a platform or service API. |
| Backend | State storage and, where supported, locking interface. |
| Resource | A declared object Terraform manages. |
| Data source | A read-only lookup from a provider or another source. |
| Module | Reusable Terraform configuration with inputs and outputs. |
| Workspace | A distinct state instance; HCP Terraform workspaces also organize runs and access. |
| Drift | A difference caused by an out-of-band change to managed infrastructure. |
| Plan | Proposed actions Terraform calculates without changing infrastructure. |
| Import | Associating an existing remote object with a Terraform resource address. |
| Variable / output | A module input / an exported module value. |
| Project | HCP Terraform grouping for related workspaces and Stacks. |
For fuller explanations, use the Terraform reference. In particular, keep provider, backend, module, workspace, and project as separate concepts.