Terraform is an open-source infrastructure as code software tool created by HashiCorp. It enables users to define and provision a data center infrastructure using a high-level configuration language known as Hashicorp Configuration Language (HCL). Terraform is used to create, manage, and update infrastructure resources such as physical machines, VMs, network switches, containers, and more.

What is Atlantis?

[[2024-01-30-atlantis-a-comprehensive-guide-to-terraform|Atlantis]] is an open-source tool created by HashiCorp that automates the deployment of [[2024-02-27-is-terraform-better-than-kubernetes|Terraform]] configurations. It is designed to make it easier for teams to collaborate on [[2024-03-05-what-is-a-disadvantage-of-terraform|Terraform]] configurations and to ensure that all changes are tested and deployed in a consistent manner. Atlantis also provides a web UI for managing and monitoring deployments.

What is Atlantis in Terraform?

Atlantis in Terraform is a combination of the two tools, Terraform and Atlantis, that allows users to automate the deployment of their Terraform configurations. With Atlantis in Terraform, users can define their infrastructure as code and then use Atlantis to deploy it in a consistent and automated manner.

Benefits of Atlantis in Terraform

Using Atlantis in Terraform provides several benefits, including:

Automated Deployment: Atlantis in Terraform automates the deployment of Terraform configurations, making it easier for teams to collaborate on infrastructure changes and ensuring that all changes are tested and deployed in a consistent manner.

Automated Testing: Atlantis in Terraform also automates the testing of Terraform configurations, ensuring that all changes are tested before they are deployed.

Automated Rollback: Atlantis in Terraform also provides automated rollback capabilities, allowing users to quickly and easily roll back changes if something goes wrong.

Automated Security: Atlantis in Terraform also provides automated security capabilities, ensuring that all changes are secure before they are deployed.

How to Use Atlantis in Terraform

Using Atlantis in Terraform is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps to get started:

Prerequisites: Before using Atlantis in Terraform, users must have Terraform installed and configured.

Installation: Once the prerequisites are met, users can install Atlantis by downloading the binary from the Atlantis website.

Configuration: Once Atlantis is installed, users must configure it to work with their Terraform configurations. This includes setting up the web UI, configuring the repository, and setting up the authentication.

Usage: Once Atlantis is configured, users can use it to deploy their Terraform configurations. This includes running tests, deploying changes, and rolling back changes if necessary.

Alternatives to Atlantis in Terraform

While Atlantis in Terraform is a great tool for automating the deployment of Terraform configurations, there are several alternatives available. These include:

HashiCorp Terraform Enterprise: HashiCorp Terraform Enterprise is a commercial version of Terraform that provides additional features and capabilities, including automated deployment, testing, and rollback.

Ansible: Ansible is an open-source automation platform that can be used to automate the deployment of Terraform configurations.

GitLab: GitLab is an open-source version control system that can be used to manage Terraform configurations.

Kubernetes: Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform that can be used to deploy and manage Terraform configurations.

Jenkins: Jenkins is an open-source automation server that can be used to automate the deployment of Terraform configurations.

Conclusion

Atlantis in Terraform is a powerful tool for automating the deployment of Terraform configurations. It provides automated deployment, testing, rollback, and security capabilities, making it easier for teams to collaborate on infrastructure changes and ensuring that all changes are tested and deployed in a consistent manner.

FAQs

Q: What is Atlantis in Terraform?

A: Atlantis in Terraform is a combination of the two tools, Terraform and Atlantis, that allows users to automate the deployment of their Terraform configurations.

Q: What are the benefits of using Atlantis in Terraform?

A: The benefits of using Atlantis in Terraform include automated deployment, testing, rollback, and security capabilities.

Q: What are the alternatives to Atlantis in Terraform?

A: The alternatives to Atlantis in Terraform include HashiCorp Terraform Enterprise, Ansible, GitLab, Kubernetes, and Jenkins.

Q: How do I use Atlantis in Terraform?

A: To use Atlantis in Terraform, users must first install and configure Atlantis, then use it to deploy their Terraform configurations.

Q: What is the difference between Terraform and Atlantis?

A: Terraform is an open-source infrastructure as code software tool, while Atlantis is an open-source tool that automates the deployment of Terraform configurations.