What is modified when executing Terraform in refresh-only mode?

The correct answer is C. Your state file.. In refresh-only mode (terraform apply -refresh-only), Terraform updates the state file to match the actual infrastructure without modifying resources. A (Terraform configuration) - Not modified in refresh-only mode. B (Terraform plan) - Plan is generated but not modified. D (Clou

Submitted by weili_xi· Apr 18, 2026Manage Terraform State

Question

What is modified when executing Terraform in refresh-only mode?

Options

AYour Terraform configuration.
BYour Terraform plan.
CYour state file.
DYour cloud infrastructure.

How the community answered

(45 responses)

A
7% (3)
B
4% (2)
C
87% (39)
D
2% (1)

Explanation

In refresh-only mode (terraform apply -refresh-only), Terraform updates the state file to match the actual infrastructure without modifying resources. A (Terraform configuration) - Not modified in refresh-only mode. B (Terraform plan) - Plan is generated but not modified. D (Cloud infrastructure) - Not modified in refresh-only mode.

Topics

#Terraform CLI#State management#Refresh-only mode

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