Infrastructure as Code
Managing and provisioning infrastructure through machine-readable configuration files rather than manual processes.
Also: IaC
Definition
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is the practice of managing and provisioning computing infrastructure through human-readable, machine-executable configuration files rather than through manual processes or interactive configuration tools. IaC enables version-controlled, repeatable, and automated infrastructure deployments. Key IaC tools include Terraform (cloud-agnostic), AWS CloudFormation, Azure ARM templates, and Ansible. IaC reduces configuration drift, speeds up deployments, and enables disaster recovery through infrastructure recreation.
Example
“A DevOps team defines 200 AWS resources in Terraform files; running terraform apply provisions the entire infrastructure in minutes, reproducibly.”
Usage Examples
- 1
“The team applied infrastructure as code best practices to improve their cloud computing outcomes significantly.”
- 2
“Understanding infrastructure as code is essential for anyone building a career in IT & Technology.”
When & How to Use
Use 'Infrastructure as Code' when working in Cloud Computing contexts where infrastructure as code (iac) is the practice of managing and provisioning computing infrastructure through human-readable, machine-executable configuration files rather than through manual processes or interactive configuration tools.
- ▸Applying infrastructure as code principles during a cloud computing project or initiative
- ▸Explaining infrastructure as code to a junior team member or stakeholder unfamiliar with IT & Technology
- ▸Evaluating options or proposals using infrastructure as code as a decision-making criterion
Etymology & Origin
The term 'Infrastructure as Code' derives from professional usage and entered IT & Technology professional usage as the field formalised in the 20th century.
History & Evolution
The concept of infrastructure as code has evolved alongside IT & Technology. Early practitioners relied on informal methods; structured approaches emerged with the professionalisation of cloud computing in the mid-20th century. Today, infrastructure as code is a standard part of IT & Technology practice globally.
Synonyms
- programmable infrastructure
- declarative infrastructure
- automated provisioning
Antonyms / Opposites
- manual configuration
- clickOps
- ad-hoc provisioning
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Related Terms
- devops
- terraform
- cicd
- cloud-computing