What is the purpose of the 'terraform plan' command?

The 'terraform plan' command serves the critical function of determining what actions Terraform will take to adjust your infrastructure based on the current configuration files. When this command is executed, Terraform evaluates the existing state of the infrastructure as recorded in the state file and compares it to the desired state defined in your configuration. This comparison results in a detailed output that outlines what changes will be made, such as creating, updating, or destroying resources.

This command is instrumental in providing visibility into the proposed changes before any actual modifications are applied. It allows users to review the planned operations, ensuring that the actions align with their expectations and intentions, thereby minimizing the risk of unintended infrastructure changes. The output from 'terraform plan' includes a summary of what will be modified, which helps in decision-making and creates an opportunity for adjustments before applying changes with the 'terraform apply' command.

Understanding the purpose of 'terraform plan' is essential for effective infrastructure management, as it serves as a safeguard to review and confirm changes prior to execution.