Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Simple Definition for Beginners: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a method of managing and provisioning computer data centers through machine-readable files, rather than physical hardware configuration or interactive configuration tools.

Common Use Example: A DevOps team uses IaC tools like Terraform or Ansible to automate the setup of servers, networks, and other infrastructure components by writing and executing code.

Technical Definition for Professionals: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is the practice of managing and provisioning IT infrastructure through code instead of through manual processes. IaC involves writing code to define, deploy, and manage infrastructure components, such as virtual machines, networks, and load balancers. This code can be stored in version control systems, enabling versioning, collaboration, and automation. IaC allows for the consistent and repeatable deployment of infrastructure, reducing human error and improving scalability. Popular IaC tools include Terraform, Ansible, Puppet, and Chef, which provide declarative and imperative approaches to infrastructure management. IaC is a foundational practice in DevOps and continuous delivery (CD), supporting automated and scalable infrastructure deployment.