What command should be used to validate the syntax of a Terraform configuration file?

The command to validate the syntax of a Terraform configuration file is "terraform validate." This command checks whether the configuration files in the specified directory are syntactically valid and conform to the required structure. It does not check the semantics of the configurations, such as whether the resources are accessible or correctly set up; it strictly looks at the syntax and the overall structure of the files.

Using "terraform validate" is an essential practice to ensure that your configuration files are correct before attempting to apply or plan changes. This preliminary step helps catch syntax errors early, which can save time and reduce frustration when managing infrastructure.

Other options do not serve the purpose of validating Terraform configuration syntax. For example, "terraform check" is not a recognized command within Terraform. "terraform init" is used to initialize a working directory containing Terraform configuration files, preparing it for other commands and managing provider plugins. "terraform syntax" is also not a valid command. Thus, "terraform validate" is the designated command for syntax validation in Terraform workflows.