Infrastructure as Code (IaC) treats infrastructure definitions as software code. This approach allows configurations to be stored in version control systems (like Git), enabling tracking of changes, collaboration among team members through sharing, and the creation of reusable modules. This directly corresponds to the advantage of versioning, reusing, and sharing configurations.

Furthermore, by codifying and automating the provisioning process, IaC significantly reduces the risk of human error inherent in manual GUI-based operations. Automated workflows ensure that infrastructure is deployed consistently and repeatably every time, eliminating mistakes like misconfigurations or forgotten steps that can occur during manual setup.

B. Provisions the same resources at a lower cost

IaC does not change the pricing of the underlying cloud resources. The cost is determined by the cloud provider, not the method used for provisioning.

C. Secures your credentials

While IaC tools provide mechanisms for handling credentials, they do not inherently secure them more than a GUI. Secure credential management is a separate operational responsibility.

E. Prevents manual modifications to your resources

IaC does not prevent out-of-band or manual changes (known as "drift"). It provides tools like terraform plan to detect such changes, but it is not a preventative control.

1. HashiCorp Learn. (n.d.). Introduction to Infrastructure as Code with Terraform. HashiCorp. Retrieved from https://developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/tutorials/aws-get-started/infrastructure-as-code.

In the section "What is infrastructure as code?"

the text states: "IaC allows you to build

change

and manage your infrastructure in a safe

consistent

and repeatable way by defining resource configurations that you can version

reuse

and share." (Supports A)

In the section "Benefits of Infrastructure as Code"

a key benefit listed is to "Reduce human error and increase automation." (Supports D)

2. HashiCorp Terraform Documentation. (n.d.). What is Terraform?. HashiCorp. Retrieved from https://developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/intro.

Under the "Manage any infrastructure" section

it highlights that Terraform helps "manage infrastructure throughout its lifecycle

" which includes using terraform plan to see changes before applying them. This process helps catch errors

thus "reducing the risk of operator error." (Supports D)

The introduction emphasizes that configuration files "describe to Terraform the components needed to run a single application or your entire datacenter

" which can be versioned and shared. (Supports A)