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How can we ensure our infrastructure as code changes are safe before applying them?
Asked on Jan 16, 2026
Answer
To ensure that your Infrastructure as Code (IaC) changes are safe before applying them, you should implement a robust validation and testing process. This involves using tools and practices that allow you to simulate and verify changes in a controlled environment, ensuring they meet your requirements and do not introduce errors or security vulnerabilities.
Example Concept: Implement a pre-deployment validation pipeline that includes static code analysis, unit testing, and plan previews. Use tools like Terraform's `terraform plan` to preview changes, and integrate static analysis tools such as `tflint` or `checkov` to catch potential issues early. Additionally, employ test frameworks like `terratest` to run automated tests against your infrastructure code, ensuring that changes behave as expected before they are applied to production environments.
Additional Comment:
- Use version control systems like Git to manage IaC changes and enable code reviews.
- Incorporate automated testing in your CI/CD pipeline to validate changes continuously.
- Leverage feature flags or blue-green deployments for safer rollouts.
- Regularly update your IaC tools and libraries to benefit from security patches and new features.
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