How to interpret terraform plan output?

Hello! I'm Labby, and I'd be happy to help you understand the terraform plan output.

The terraform plan command is like a "preview" or a "dry run". It compares your code (main.tf) with the current state of your infrastructure and tells you exactly what it intends to do.

Here is how to interpret the key parts of your output:

1. Action Symbols

Terraform uses symbols to show the type of change:

• + create: Terraform will create a new resource.
• ~ update in-place: Terraform will modify an existing resource without deleting it.
• - destroy: Terraform will delete an existing resource.
• -/+ replace: Terraform will delete and then recreate the resource (usually because a change requires a fresh start, like changing a filename).

2. The Resource Block

  # local_file.example will be created
  + resource "local_file" "example" { ... }

This tells you which resource is being affected. In your case, it's a local_file resource named example.

3. Attribute Values

• Specific Values: You can see fields like content = "Hello, Terraform" and filename = "./hello.txt". These are the values you defined in your code.
• (known after apply): Some information cannot be determined until the resource is actually created. For example, a unique id or a calculated md5 hash.

4. The Summary Line

The most important part is the bottom line:
Plan: 1 to add, 0 to change, 0 to destroy.

• 1 to add: One new resource will be created.
• 0 to change: No existing resources will be modified.
• 0 to destroy: No existing resources will be deleted.

Why is this useful?

It acts as a safety net! Always check the Plan summary before running terraform apply to ensure you aren't accidentally deleting something important or creating resources you didn't intend to.

From your command history, it looks like your plan is perfect! You are ready to move on to the next step to actually create the file.