Does the Terraform plan command update your state file?

The correct understanding centers around the function of the Terraform plan command. When you run this command, it does not modify the state file. Instead, its primary purpose is to generate and display an execution plan that outlines the actions Terraform would take to achieve the desired state described in your configuration files, based on the current state of the infrastructure.

The plan command allows you to review the proposed changes before applying them, giving you an opportunity to confirm that the intended modifications align with your expectations. This is crucial for avoiding unintended alterations to your infrastructure.

While the command does consider the current state to determine which resources need to be added, modified, or destroyed, it only simulates these changes without making any actual updates to the state file. The state file is only updated when you run the apply command and Terraform executes the proposed changes.