TA-002-P Question #80: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is C: The Terraform CLI needs you to log into Terraform cloud first. A terraform apply command will fail in a new configuration with a local backend because Terraform needs to first install the necessary provider plugins during the terraform init phase. Without initialization, Terraform cannot interact with the specified infrastructure providers.

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Question

You write a new Terraform configuration and immediately run terraform apply in the CLI using the local backend. Why will the apply fail?

Options

ATerraform needs you to format your code according to best practices first
BTerraform needs to install the necessary plugins first
CThe Terraform CLI needs you to log into Terraform cloud first
DTerraform requires you to manually run terraform plan first

Explanation

A terraform apply command will fail in a new configuration with a local backend because Terraform needs to first install the necessary provider plugins during the terraform init phase. Without initialization, Terraform cannot interact with the specified infrastructure providers.

Common mistakes.

A. Code formatting (e.g., via terraform fmt) is for readability and consistency, not a prerequisite for terraform apply to succeed.
C. Logging into Terraform Cloud is only required if using Terraform Cloud as a backend or for remote operations, not for a local backend.
D. While terraform plan is a good practice to review changes, it is not strictly required before terraform apply; apply implicitly performs a plan.

Concept tested. Terraform initialization and provider plugin installation

Reference. https://developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/cli/commands/init

Topics

#Terraform Cloud#Authentication#Remote Backend#CLI apply

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