A Comparison of Version Control for Infrastructure Code: GitOps vs. Terraform Cloud
Introduction:
Version control is a crucial aspect of managing infrastructure code in the age of DevOps and Continuous Deployment. With the rise of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), organizations are increasingly relying on tools like GitOps and Terraform Cloud to maintain their infrastructure codebases. In this blog post, we will delve into the differences and similarities between GitOps and Terraform Cloud as version control solutions for infrastructure code, exploring their features, benefits, and use cases.
Understanding GitOps:
GitOps is a version control methodology that focuses on managing infrastructure code using Git. With GitOps, infrastructure configurations are stored in a Git repository, enabling teams to track changes, collaborate, and easily revert to previous versions. This approach promotes a declarative model, where infrastructure changes are automatically applied based on code updates. GitOps provides a unified workflow for development and operations teams, facilitating the adoption of Continuous Deployment practices.
Exploring Terraform Cloud:
Terraform Cloud, on the other hand, is a cloud-based service offered by HashiCorp that provides centralized version control and collaboration for infrastructure code. As an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool, Terraform enables users to define and provision infrastructure resources using a declarative configuration language. With Terraform Cloud, teams can securely manage their infrastructure code, automate deployments, and collaborate with ease, all within a single platform.
Comparing Features and Benefits:
When comparing GitOps and Terraform Cloud, it’s important to consider their specific features and benefits. GitOps, being based on Git, offers powerful version control capabilities, including branch management, merging, and pull requests. It integrates seamlessly into existing CI/CD pipelines and allows for Git-native workflows. Terraform Cloud, on the other hand, provides a cloud-based solution with centralized access control, version history, and collaboration features. It enables teams to schedule and apply infrastructure changes, manage variables securely, and control operational states.
Use Cases and Best Practices:
Both GitOps and Terraform Cloud have their unique use cases and best practices. GitOps is particularly useful for teams already familiar with Git and looking for a declarative and Git-native approach. It is a great fit for applications deployed across multiple environments and requires robust version control and collaboration. On the other hand, Terraform Cloud is beneficial for teams seeking a centralized infrastructure code management and collaboration solution. It is ideal for organizations using Terraform extensively and need access control, version history, and a secure and scalable platform.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, both GitOps and Terraform Cloud provide valuable solutions for version controlling infrastructure code. GitOps is well-suited for organizations embracing a Git-native approach to version control and allows for seamless collaboration in a declarative manner. On the other hand, Terraform Cloud offers centralized access control, version history, and collaboration features, making it an excellent choice for teams working extensively with Terraform. By considering their respective features, use cases, and benefits, organizations can make an informed decision on which solution meets their specific needs and priorities.
Matthew J Fitzgerald is an experienced DevOps engineer, Company Founder, Author, and Programmer. He Founded Fitzgerald Tech Solutions and several other startups. He enjoys playing in his homelab, gardening, playing the drums, rooting for Chicago and Purdue sports, and hanging out with friends.