Common Mistakes to Avoid for DevOps Engineers Using Cloud Formation and Terraform

DevOps is an evolving practice aimed at improving collaboration between development and IT operations. With Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like AWS CloudFormation and HashiCorp Terraform, these processes become more efficient. However, while these tools offer great power, they also come with their own set of challenges.

Understanding CloudFormation and Terraform

AWS CloudFormation is a tool that lets you model and set up your Amazon Web Services resources using JSON or YAML formatted templates. It handles the entire provisioning and configuration process for you.

Terraform, on the other hand, is an open-source tool that allows users to define cloud and on-prem resources in human-readable configuration files. Terraform manages resources on various platforms beyond AWS, providing a broader operational spectrum compared to CloudFormation.

1. Avoiding Common Pitfalls in CloudFormation

1.1 Ignoring Template Validation

One of the most frequent errors is skipping template validation. CloudFormation templates can be complex, and ignoring validation can lead to syntactical errors that halt resources from deploying. Always validate your template before using it.

1.2 Mismanaging Rollback Triggers

A failed stack update or creation can bring an application down. Mismanaging rollback triggers can cause risk of partial deployments that may need manual intervention. Ensure rollback settings are properly configured to mitigate these risks.

1.3 Cutting Corners with Parameters and Mappings

Parameters and mappings make templates reusable and cleaner. Not making full use of these features can lead to redundant, hard-coded templates that are cumbersome to manage and lack flexibility.

2. Common Errors Using Terraform

2.1 Overlooking State Management

Terraform records the state of your managed infrastructure in a state file. Poor management of this state file can lead to discrepancies between the actual resources and Terraform’s understanding of the infrastructure. Always keep the state file secure and consistent.

2.2 Not Using Modules

Terraform modules contribute to code reuse and organization. Ignoring modules can result in repetitive code across various Terraform projects which makes maintenance difficult. Start modularizing your Terraform code to enhance reusability.

2.3 Failing to Use Environment Variables

Terraform supports environment variables to define credentials and other essential details. Relying on hardcoded values is risky. Instead, utilize environment variables for sensitive data to enhance security.

3. Best Practices for Both CloudFormation and Terraform

3.1 Version Control

Just like application code, it’s crucial to version-control your infrastructure code. This practice helps track changes, facilitates collaboration, and provides a history of modifications over time.

3.2 Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD)

Incorporate your IaC scripts in the CI/CD pipeline. Automating testing and deployments ensure that all changes are vetted, reducing the chances of mistakes being pushed into production.

3.3 Thorough Documentation

Good documentation is essential. Both CloudFormation and Terraform allow for the use of comments. Utilize this capability to document configurations and choices made within scripts.

Conclusion

In the realm of DevOps, efficiency and effectiveness are paramount, and both AWS CloudFormation and Terraform are invaluable tools for achieving these goals. While both have their unique features, pitfalls are inevitable if careful consideration isn't exercised.

By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, DevOps Engineers can leverage the full power of Infrastructure as Code, facilitating smoother deployments and robust infrastructure management.