Terraform for Google Cloud: Getting Started

This introductory module welcomes students to the Getting Started with Terraform for Google Cloud course. Students will gain an overview of the course structure, learning objectives, and expected outcomes. The module establishes the foundation for understanding how Terraform can be used to implement infrastructure as code on Google Cloud, setting the stage for the more technical concepts that follow in subsequent modules.

Skills you'll gain

This module covers the fundamental concepts and business rationale for Terraform as an infrastructure as code (IaC) solution. Students will learn the basic principles of IaC and how Terraform implements these principles specifically for Google Cloud environments. The module explores Terraform's features and benefits, highlighting how it transforms code into actual infrastructure components on Google Cloud. Students will understand the value proposition of Terraform for automated infrastructure management.

Skills you'll gain

This module introduces HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) and the core terminology used in Terraform. Students will learn to interpret different code blocks in Terraform configuration files and understand their purpose within the infrastructure definition. The module covers essential Terraform commands for managing configurations and explains how validation tools ensure code quality. Students will gain the ability to create basic configuration files and understand the workflow of Terraform operations.

Skills you'll gain

This module dives deeper into creating Google Cloud resources using Terraform. Students will explore how to define resources, handle dependencies between resources, and parameterize configurations using variables. The module covers the syntax for declaring, defining, and using variables within configurations, as well as how to export resource attributes as output values. Students will also learn about code reusability through the Terraform Registry and Cloud Foundation Toolkit, enabling them to simplify infrastructure code authoring.

Skills you'll gain

This module focuses on Terraform modules as a means to organize and reuse infrastructure configurations. Students will learn what modules are, how to use them from public registries, and how to create their own modules for configuration reuse. The module covers techniques for parameterizing configurations using input variables and accessing resource attributes outside modules using output values. Students will understand how modules promote code maintainability and standardization across infrastructure deployments.

Skills you'll gain

This module explores the critical concept of Terraform state and its role in managing infrastructure. Students will learn about different approaches to storing state files and the benefits of remote state storage for team collaboration and operational security. The module specifically covers how to configure Google Cloud Storage buckets as remote backends for Terraform state. Students will also gain knowledge of best practices for working with state files in production environments to avoid common pitfalls and maintain infrastructure integrity.

Skills you'll gain

This concluding module reviews the key concepts, skills, and techniques covered throughout the course. Students will consolidate their understanding of Terraform for Google Cloud, reflecting on how infrastructure as code can be implemented in their own environments. The module helps students connect the various topics from previous modules into a cohesive understanding of Terraform's capabilities and applications. This summary reinforces learning outcomes and prepares students to apply their knowledge in real-world infrastructure automation scenarios.

Skills you'll gain