Designed as a client tool, Terraform stores its state as a static file and every time it runs, it updates that state. So if the file gets changed or fixed, or if somebody runs Terraform but does not update that file correctly, then the infrastructure that is deployed and the file do not match anymore. This causes Terraform to give up or try to fix the infrastructure to match what it thinks it should be, which can be problematic as Terraform assumes that what is in the state file is true. Rob Hirschfeld, CEO and Co-Founder of RackN, explains that Digital Rebar stores and tracks state files easier so that it is an inherent part of the processes that are run. Another way that Terraform tackles the challenges of state files is by building a map of the resources that are consumed outside of Terraform. To find out more, watch this video.

Guest: Rob Hirschfeld (LinkedIn, Twitter)
Company: RackN (Twitter)
Show: To The Point
Keyword: Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

About Rob Hirschfeld: Rob has been in the cloud and infrastructure space for 20 years and has done everything from start-ups working with early ESX betas to serving four terms on the OpenStack Foundation Board and as an executive at Dell. As leader on the2030.cloud, he believes that the technology of running data centers and applications on cloud is just part of the bigger story. He trained as an Industrial Engineer and carries a passion for applying Lean and Agile processes to software delivery.  Rob has received degrees from Duke University and Louisiana State University.

About RackN: RackN was founded with the vision of operators working together to improve IT operations through shared software and community regardless of infrastructure type. The company believes that operators should be able to maintain control, consistency and choice over their infrastructure without requiring prescriptive appliances or managed offerings.

The summary of the show is written by Emily Nicholls.