**This study guide is based on the video lesson available on TrainerTests.
com**
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Study Guide
This chapter explores the concept of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), a method for managing and
provisioning computer data centers through machine-readable definition files. IaC offers significant
advantages over traditional manual configuration, including automation, improved consistency, and
easier documentation.
Traditional Infrastructure Management
Traditionally, data centers consisted of physical components like servers, routers, switches, and
storage arrays. These components required manual configuration and maintenance, a time-
consuming and error-prone process.
Virtualization
Virtualization technologies emerged, enabling the creation of virtual machines (VMs) that run on top
of a single physical server. VMs offer several benefits, including:
• Resource Efficiency: Virtualization allows consolidation of multiple servers onto a single
physical machine, optimizing resource utilization.
• Scalability: Provisioning additional VMs is faster and easier compared to deploying new
physical servers.
• Isolation: Each VM operates in isolation, providing a dedicated environment for applications.
While virtualization addressed server management, it did not eliminate the need for manual
configuration of network components like routers and switches.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
IaC addresses the limitations of manual configuration by treating infrastructure components as code.
This code defines the desired state of the infrastructure, including:
• Servers: Number, type, operating system, and configuration settings.
• Networks: Virtual switches, subnets, and security groups.
• Storage: Storage volumes and access permissions.
Benefits of IaC include:
• Automation: IaC automates infrastructure provisioning and configuration, reducing manual
effort and human error.
• Consistency: IaC ensures consistent infrastructure across different environments
(development, testing, production).
• Documentation: IaC templates serve as a form of documentation, clearly defining the
infrastructure configuration.
• Version Control: IaC code can be version controlled, allowing rollback to previous
configurations if necessary.
• Repeatability: IaC templates can be reused to quickly spin up identical environments for
testing or scaling.
Example: CloudFormation
AWS CloudFormation is a popular IaC tool that allows users to define infrastructure using JSON or
YAML templates. These templates specify the desired resources and their configurations.
CloudFormation automates the creation and management of these resources.
Here's a simplified example of an IaC workflow:
1. Develop IaC Template: An IaC template is created, defining the desired infrastructure
components and their configurations.
2. Deploy Template: The template is uploaded to the IaC service (e.g., CloudFormation).
3. Resource Provisioning: The IaC service automatically provisions the resources specified in
the template.
4. Infrastructure Management: The IaC service can be used to manage the infrastructure
throughout its lifecycle (updates, deletion).
Use Cases for IaC
IaC offers a variety of use cases, including:
• Creating Identical Environments: IaC can create identical development, testing, and
production environments, ensuring consistency across the software development lifecycle.
• Rolling Out Updates: IaC simplifies infrastructure updates by applying changes through the
IaC template.
• Disaster Recovery: IaC templates can be used to quickly rebuild infrastructure in case of
failures.
• Multi-Cloud Deployments: IaC facilitates infrastructure provisioning across multiple cloud
providers using consistent templates.
IaC is a powerful approach for managing infrastructure in the cloud and on-premises data centers. It
streamlines infrastructure management, reduces manual errors, and improves the overall efficiency
and reliability of IT operations.
Additional Notes:
• This chapter references Linux documentation for a deeper understanding of virtualization
concepts.
• While AWS CloudFormation is used as an example, there are other IaC tools available for
different cloud providers and on-premises deployments.
*See slides below:
