A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Integrate GitHub with Terraform Cloud

Introduction

Integrating GitHub with Terraform Cloud is a crucial step in automating your infrastructure as code (IaC) workflows. This integration allows you to manage Terraform configurations in a GitHub repository and automatically trigger Terraform Cloud runs when changes are made to your code. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you have a seamless and efficient setup. Terraform Automation Online Training

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

1.     Terraform Cloud Account: Sign up at Terraform Cloud.

2.     GitHub Account: Ensure you have a GitHub account and a repository where your Terraform configurations are stored.

3.     Terraform CLI: Install Terraform CLI for local testing and configuration.

Step 1: Create a New Workspace in Terraform Cloud

1.     Log in to Terraform Cloud:

o    Navigate to the Terraform Cloud dashboard and login with your credentials.

2.     Create a New Workspace:

o    Click on "New Workspace" in your organisation’s workspace section.

o    Select the "Version control workflow" option. This setup allows Terraform Cloud to trigger runs based on changes to your GitHub repository automatically. Terraform Automation in Azure Online Training

3.     Connect to GitHub:

o    Choose "GitHub" as your version control provider. If this is your first time connecting GitHub to Terraform Cloud, you’ll need to authorize Terraform Cloud to access your GitHub repositories.

o    Once authorized, select the repository containing your Terraform configurations.

4.     Configure the Workspace:

o    Name your workspace appropriately to reflect the environment or purpose (e.g., production infrastructure).

o    Choose the branch that Terraform Cloud should track for changes (usually main or master).

o    Set up any required environment variables or Terraform variables in the "Variables" section of the workspace settings.

Step 2: Configure GitHub Repository for Terraform

1.     Prepare Your Terraform Configuration:

o    Ensure your Terraform configuration files (*.tf) are in the root directory of your GitHub repository.

o    If you have multiple environments (e.g., dev, prod), consider using separate directories or branches for each environment.

2.     Add a .terraform-version File (Optional):

o    To ensure consistency, you can add a .terraform-version file in your repository specifying the Terraform version your project uses. Terraform Cloud will use this version during runs.

3.     Test Locally:

o    Run terraform init and terraform validate locally to ensure your configurations are correct. This step helps catch errors before they are pushed to the repository and trigger a Terraform Cloud run.

Step 3: Set Up Automated Runs in Terraform Cloud

1.     Push Changes to GitHub:

o    Commit and push your Terraform configuration changes to the branch connected to your Terraform Cloud workspace.

o    Terraform Cloud will automatically detect the changes and start a new run. Terraform Online Training

2.     Review and Confirm the Plan:

o    In Terraform Cloud, navigate to the workspace, where you’ll see the run in progress.

o    Review the plan to understand the changes Terraform will make to your infrastructure.

o    If you have "Manual Apply" enabled, you’ll need to confirm the plan before Terraform applies the changes. If "Auto Apply" is enabled, Terraform will automatically apply the changes after the plan is generated.

3.     Monitor and Manage Runs:

o    Terraform Cloud provides a detailed view of each run, including logs and state files. Use this interface to monitor the progress and outcomes of your Terraform runs.

o    If a run fails, you can troubleshoot by reviewing the logs and making necessary corrections in your Terraform configurations.

Step 4: Manage State and Locking

1.     State Management:

o    Terraform Cloud automatically manages the state of your infrastructure, storing state files securely and ensuring that they are only accessible by authorized users.

2.     Locking:

o    Terraform Cloud implements state locking during runs to prevent concurrent modifications, ensuring the integrity of your infrastructure.

Conclusion:

Integrating GitHub with Terraform Cloud streamlines your IaC workflows, allowing for continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) of your infrastructure. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can automate the application of Terraform configurations whenever changes are pushed to your GitHub repository. This setup enhances efficiency and ensures that your infrastructure remains consistent and reliable. Terraform Automation in Azure Cloud Training

This integration is just the beginning. As you grow more comfortable, explore additional features like Sentinel policies, notifications, and more advanced Terraform Cloud functionalities to further enhance your IaC practices.