Practical tips for getting started with Infrastructure as Code

Start with a Small Project

Begin with a small, manageable project to understand the basics of IaC. For example, try setting up a simple web server or database using IaC in a cloud provider like AWS or Azure. This will help you grasp core IaC concepts without getting overwhelmed by complexity.
Choose a Beginner-Friendly IaC Tool

Start with tools that have straightforward syntax and good community support. AWS CloudFormation, Terraform, and Azure Resource Manager (ARM) are widely used IaC tools with extensive documentation. Terraform is particularly popular for beginners due to its flexibility and cross-cloud compatibility.
Learn Version Control Basics

Store your IaC scripts in version control (e.g., Git), just like application code. This practice allows you to track changes, roll back configurations, and collaborate with others. If you’re new to Git, focus on core commands (e.g., commit, push, pull) to keep things simple.
Understand the Declarative Nature of IaC

Most IaC tools use a declarative syntax, where you define the desired state of resources (e.g., “I want two servers in this network”) rather than specifying step-by-step instructions. Familiarise yourself with how this works, as it differs from traditional programming and is central to how IaC tools operate.
Learn to Use a Test Environment

Experimenting with IaC in a test environment, such as a cloud sandbox or local development environment, allows you to make mistakes safely. Avoid deploying IaC scripts to production while you’re learning, as small errors can lead to unintended infrastructure changes or costs.
Get Comfortable with Cloud Provider Documentation

IaC is often closely tied to cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). Familiarise yourself with the provider’s documentation for the resources you’re using, as it explains how to configure instances, networking, databases, and other services. Cloud provider docs are essential references for creating accurate IaC scripts.
Use Parameterisation for Reusability

Most IaC tools support variables or parameters, which allow you to create reusable templates. For example, use variables to define instance sizes or region locations instead of hardcoding values. This practice improves flexibility and makes your templates adaptable to different environments.
Test Your Configurations Locally if Possible

Some IaC tools, like Terraform, offer commands like terraform plan, which simulate changes without applying them, allowing you to preview infrastructure changes safely. Use these preview commands to check for errors before making actual changes.
Automate with CI/CD When Ready

Once you’re comfortable with basic IaC concepts, consider automating IaC deployments as part of a CI/CD pipeline. This approach integrates infrastructure changes into your development workflow, supporting continuous delivery of both code and infrastructure.
Learn by Reading and Experimenting with Examples

Browse public repositories or IaC tutorials to see examples of real-world infrastructure configurations. Experiment with these examples, modify them, and observe how different configurations affect resources. Practising with examples will help solidify your understanding.
Track Resources and Costs

As IaC automates resource creation, it’s easy to create more infrastructure than you intended, which can lead to unexpected cloud costs. Learn to track your resources through the cloud provider’s dashboard or billing reports, and delete resources when they’re no longer needed.
Document Your IaC Configurations

Document each IaC configuration’s purpose, settings, and dependencies. This practice not only helps you remember your work but also allows others to understand and collaborate on your configurations easily.