Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
TLDR: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a practice in IT and software development where infrastructure configurations are defined, managed, and provisioned using code rather than manual processes. This approach brings software engineering principles, like version control and testing, to infrastructure management. IaC ensures consistency, scalability, and automation across environments, reducing configuration drift and enabling rapid deployments.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrastructure_as_code
IaC uses declarative or procedural code to define the desired state of infrastructure, such as servers, networks, and storage. Tools like Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible enable developers to describe infrastructure in files that are version-controlled, reviewed, and tested like application code. For example, a Terraform script can automate the provisioning of a complete cloud environment, including virtual machines, load balancers, and databases, ensuring repeatability across development, staging, and production.
https://www.hashicorp.com/products/terraform
The benefits of IaC extend beyond automation to improved collaboration and faster delivery cycles. By integrating IaC scripts into CI/CD pipelines, teams can deploy consistent and reliable infrastructure alongside application code. IaC also enhances disaster recovery, as configurations can be quickly reapplied to rebuild environments. This methodology is essential for cloud-native architectures and DevOps practices, driving efficiency and agility in modern IT operations.