Getting Started with Terraform for Google Cloud

Google Cloud via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/getting-started-with-terraform-for-google-cloud

Introduction

### Course Review: Getting Started with Terraform for Google Cloud #### Course Overview If you are looking to harness the power of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) in the Google Cloud ecosystem, **"Getting Started with Terraform for Google Cloud"** is an excellent starting point. Offered on Coursera, this course promises to equip learners with the foundational skills necessary to implement and manage cloud infrastructure using Terraform. With a hands-on approach, participants will not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of Terraform but also gain practical experience in building and managing Google Cloud resources. #### Course Structure and Content The course is structured into several modules, each building upon the last to provide a thorough understanding of Terraform and its application within Google Cloud. Here’s a brief overview of each module: 1. **Course Introduction**: This module sets the stage for the learning journey. It outlines the course objectives and provides clarity on what learners can expect throughout their experience. 2. **Introduction to Terraform for Google Cloud**: Dive into the fundamentals of Terraform, covering the significance of IaC. The course illustrates how Terraform allows codifying infrastructure while enabling you to turn code into real-world resources on Google Cloud. 3. **Terms and Concepts**: Here, you will get familiar with HashiCorp Language and essential Terraform commands. By the end of this module, learners will be able to read and write basic configuration files, enhancing their coding literacy in the Terraform environment. 4. **Writing Infrastructure Code for Google Cloud**: This module delves into resource management using Terraform. You’ll learn to create infrastructure components, handle dependencies, and use variables for dynamic configuration, while also exploring the Terraform registry and Cloud Foundation Toolkit. 5. **Organizing and Reusing Configuration with Terraform Modules**: This section emphasizes module usage for reusability and parameterization of configurations. Students will learn how to leverage input variables and output values to streamline infrastructure management. 6. **Introduction to Terraform State**: In the context of collaborating on projects, understanding Terraform state is essential. This module teaches state storage options, particularly focusing on remote storage in Google Cloud Storage Buckets, along with best practices for state management. 7. **Course Summary**: The concluding module reiterates the key concepts covered, reinforcing the skills acquired throughout the course. #### Recommendation "Getting Started with Terraform for Google Cloud" is highly recommended for individuals looking to enhance their cloud skills, particularly those working with Google Cloud Platform. The course is suitable for beginners with a basic understanding of cloud technologies as well as for those aiming to formalize their knowledge in infrastructure automation. The hands-on approach guarantees that learners will not merely grasp theoretical concepts but will also apply them in practical scenarios, making it easier to transition from learning to real-world application in their professional roles. Moreover, the combination of clear instructional videos, practical coding exercises, and comprehension assessments makes it a well-rounded learning experience. Whether you aspire to become a cloud engineer, DevOps professional, or simply want to add valuable skills to your portfolio, this course is an excellent investment in your future. In conclusion, if you want to step into the world of cloud infrastructure management, this Coursera course is not to be missed. Get ready to transform your understanding of cloud infrastructure using Terraform!

Syllabus

Course Introduction

This section welcomes learners to the Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure course, and provides an overview of the course structure and goals.

Introduction to Terraform for Google Cloud

This is an introductory module that covers the business need for Terraform. We’ll start with the basics by providing an overview of infrastructure as code (IaC), which is the basic concept for Terraform. We will explore how Terraform can be used as an IaC tool on Google Cloud and also cover its features and benefits. We’ll then look at how Terraform transforms lines of code into real infrastructure on Google Cloud.

Terms and Concepts

In this module, we introduce you to HashiCorp Language and discuss the terms and concepts involved in authoring a Terraform configuration. We also explore some of the important Terraform commands involved in managing the terraform configuration. Upon completion of this module, you will be able to interpret what each code block means, create basic configuration files within Terraform and be able to explain the purpose of a few few important terraform commands and we will also explore what a Validator tool is.

Writing Infrastructure Code for Google Cloud

In this module, you will explore more about resources, variables, and output resources. We will begin by exploring how to create infrastructure components using resources and then explore how Terraform handles dependencies within resources. While we have been covering resource creation by using hard-code resource arguments, we will explore how you can parameterize a given configuration using variables. We will explore the syntax to declare, define and use them within your configuration. We will then discuss how you can export resource attributes outside the resource declaration using output values. We will then wrap up the module by discovering how you can simplify code authoring using Terraform registry, and Cloud Foundation Toolkit.

Organizing and Reusing Configuration with Terraform Modules

You will explore what modules are, how to use them from a public registry, how to use modules to reuse configurations, and parameterize configurations using input variables. You will also explore how to use output values to access resource attributes outside of the module.

Introduction to Terraform State

The module starts with an introduction to Terraform state. You’ll then learn about the different ways to store Terraform state. Later in the module you’ll explore the benefits of storing the state file in a remote location. While there are many remote locations in which you can store the state file, this module describes how to store it in a Google Cloud Storage Bucket. You’ll wrap up the module by learning best practices for working with state files.

Course Summary

In this final section, we review what's been presented in this course.