What does the command terraform init do?

The command terraform init serves the crucial role of initializing both new and existing Terraform configurations. When this command is executed, Terraform prepares the working directory that contains the configuration files. It does this by setting up the necessary backend for storing state, downloading any required provider plugins that specified in the configuration, and preparing the environment for subsequent commands.

By initializing, Terraform ensures that all dependencies are in place, which is essential for further operations like planning and applying changes. This step is fundamental before any other command, as it allows Terraform to understand the required components and their versions, setting a solid foundation for managing infrastructure.

In contrast, applying configuration changes, destroying resources, or validating Terraform files are tasks that come after the initialization process and rely on it being successfully completed. Notably, without running terraform init, these subsequent commands may not operate as intended due to missing components or misconfigured environments. Thus, option A captures the primary and essential function of the terraform init command within the Terraform workflow.