AWS CloudFormation vs Terraform

July 30, 2023 | Author: Michael Stromann
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AWS CloudFormation
AWS CloudFormation is an infrastructure as code (IaC) service that allows you to easily model, provision, and manage AWS and third-party resources.
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Terraform
Write infrastructure as code using declarative configuration files. HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) allows for concise descriptions of resources using blocks, arguments, and expressions.

AWS CloudFormation and Terraform are both popular infrastructure as code (IaC) tools used for provisioning and managing cloud resources, but they have some fundamental differences. AWS CloudFormation is an AWS-native service that allows users to define their cloud infrastructure in the form of templates using JSON or YAML. It provides seamless integration with other AWS services and offers a wide range of pre-built templates for easy resource provisioning. On the other hand, Terraform, developed by HashiCorp, is cloud-agnostic and supports multiple cloud providers, including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and more. It utilizes its own declarative language called HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) to define infrastructure, giving users the flexibility to manage resources across different cloud platforms.

See also: Top 10 Cloud Management platforms
AWS CloudFormation vs Terraform in our news:

2019. HashiCorp expands Terraform free version, adds paid tier for SMBs



HashiCorp has made significant updates to its free tier offering for Terraform, a widely-used product in its portfolio. Previously limited to a single user, the free tier has now been expanded to accommodate up to five users. This expansion is accompanied by an enhanced set of features that can be accessed without requiring a payment. Furthermore, HashiCorp has introduced a new pricing tier tailored specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This addition fills the gap in their pricing catalog, catering to a larger user base that has outgrown the free version but is not yet ready for the enterprise edition. These updates reflect HashiCorp's commitment to providing more flexible and scalable options for users at various stages of their growth and adoption of Terraform.

Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com