Infrastructure as Code (IaC) sounds like a tech term that is going to be difficult to understand. Well, it's a tech term, for sure, but understanding its overall methodology isn't too hard.
That's because it's an approach to managing and configuring computer data centers through software interpretation instead of physical hardware setups or interactive tools.
This is revolutionizing how developers and system administrators handle the deployment and maintenance of their software architectures.
In this article, we'll look at the tools utilized in IaC and recommend a few courses you may find useful in looking deeper and mastering the skills required.
Understanding Infrastructure as Code
IaC involves overseeing and setting up your IT infrastructure using code, instead of manual processes. It entails using
code to configure servers, databases, networks and other elements that can be saved for reuse.
It operates similarly to scripting in programming, by automating IT tasks for more efficient management. By ensuring configuration of all resources are in the desired state it promotes reliability across systems. Keep in mind that IaC typically demands a lot of storage space on your computer; so make sure you free up space on Mac or PC to avoid potential issues. And if you
 need to check your code using iPhone, the cache can sometimes be too heavy to upload pages properly. So it will help you a great deal to read this iPhone cleaner reviewÂ
so you're able to prepare the storage on your device.
Key Tools You'll Find Useful
Terraform
Terraform is an open-source IaC software tool that was developed by HashiCorp. It enables users to define and provision their data center using a language called HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) or, if they prefer, JSON.
Ansible
The design of Ansible revolves around simplicity and user friendliness. Which is a real benefit! It works by connecting to servers or other remote devices and deploying programs known as "Ansible Modules." These modules are then removed, which obviously streamlines the process.
One notable aspect of Ansible is its utilization of YAML (Yet Another Markup Language), to create automation scripts, which are known as Playbooks. Playbooks use a human-readable format which simplifies the process of writing, understanding and managing these scripts.
AWS CloudFormation
AWS CloudFormation by Amazon provides a means of creating and managing a set of AWS resources, provisioning and updating them in an organized manner. In this way, you're able to utilize AWS CloudFormation’s sample templates or set up your own templates to define the AWS resources.
Chef
Chef serves as an automation platform that converts complex infrastructure into code. And by describing the state and behavior of servers and services using Ruby, it brings them to life.
Puppet
Puppet works as a configuration management tool that automates tasks like provisioning, patching and overseeing your infrastructure. It's tailored to handle the complete lifecycle of your servers.
Microsoft Azure Resource Manager
The Azure Resource Manager allows users to manage resources collectively as a group. Here, you have the option to deploy, update -- or even remove -- all these resources in a single, coordinated operation.
Courses We'd Recommend
- Terraform: Up & Running: This is an online course that covers Terraform from the ground up, including real-world examples and practical applications.
- Ansible for the Absolute Beginner: This course targets beginners in automation and configuration management and provides hands-on experience with Ansible.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate 2023: Here's a comprehensive course designed to help you master AWS CloudFormation and other AWS services.
- Mastering Chef: The DevOps Way: Here, you can learn Chef by actually building infrastructure and deploying real applications.
- Puppet Certified Practitioner: This course covers Puppet's foundation and guides you through its advanced features.
- Microsoft Azure Masterclass: Here, you can learn everything about Azure Resource Manager as well as other Azure services so you can ace the Microsoft certification!
In Summary
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a concept that enables developers and operations teams to
manage their infrastructure efficiently, while reducing errors as part of the process. And the adoption of IaC is on the rise due to its ability to improve application deployment, lower risk -- and reduce costs, too. We've mentioned tools like Terraform, Ansible AWS CloudFormation, Chef, Puppet and Azure Resource Manager which provide frameworks for implementing IaC. This means that for individuals, mastering these tools by taking the courses we've mentioned can hugely improve your skills, paving the way for great career opportunities in DevOps and Cloud Computing.
And from a company perspective, adopting IaC are able to revolutionize their environments, boost teamwork between development and operations groups, and introduce a fresh era of efficiency, uniformity and flexibility in deploying and overseeing their infrastructures.
It's clearly a development to watch!
