How to Install Terraform on Ubuntu Linux
You install Terraform on Ubuntu Linux to manage your infrastructure as code, defining and provisioning resources like servers and networks using simple configuration files.
Terraform is an open-source Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool that automates the creation, modification, and versioning of your infrastructure.
You can install Terraform on Ubuntu using its official repository or as a Snap package, as it’s not part of Ubuntu’s default repositories. Attempting `sudo apt install terraform` will likely fail, showing an “Unable to locate package” error. Using the official repository ensures you get the latest version, such as Terraform 1.7.0.
This process lets you harness Terraform’s power directly from your Ubuntu machine for efficient infrastructure management.
Install Terraform on Ubuntu using Snap with `sudo snap install terraform –classic`, or by adding HashiCorp’s official repository and then running `sudo apt update && sudo apt install terraform`. Verify the installation with `terraform -version`.
Install Terraform on Ubuntu Linux via Snap
As mentioned above, there are multiple ways to install Terraform on Ubuntu Linux. One way is to use the Snap package manager.
Snap is a package management system developed by Canonical for Linux operating systems. It allows developers to easily distribute and update their software on different Linux distributions without worrying about compatibility issues.
To install Tarraform using Snap, run the command below.
sudo snap install terraform --classic
When you want to remove Terraform, run the command below.
sudo snap remove terraform
Install Terraform via its official repository
Another way to install Terraform is to use its official repository. Below are the steps to do that.
First, run the command below to install prerequisites.
sudo apt install gnupg software-properties-common
When you are done, run the command below to install HashiCorp’s GPG key to your system.
wget -O- https://apt.releases.hashicorp.com/gpg | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/hashicorp-archive-keyring.gpg
Once the GPG key is installed, verify it using the command below.
gpg --no-default-keyring --keyring /usr/share/keyrings/hashicorp-archive-keyring.gpg --fingerprint
The command above will display the key details similar to the lines below:
#Output:
pub rsa4096 2023-01-10 [SC] [expires: 2028-01-09]
798A EC65 4E5C 1542 8C8E 42EE AA16 FCBC A621 E701
uid [ unknown] HashiCorp Security (HashiCorp Package Signing) <security+packaging@hashicorp.com>
sub rsa4096 2023-01-10 [S] [expires: 2028-01-09]
After that, run the command below to install the repository file on your system.
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/hashicorp-archive-keyring.gpg] https://apt.releases.hashicorp.com $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/hashicorp.list
Finally, update the install Terraform.
sudo apt update sudo apt install terraform
You can verify that Terraform is installed by running the command below.
terraform -version
#Output: Terraform v1.6.0 on linux_amd64
Remove it using the command below.
sudo apt remove terraform
That should do it!
Conclusion:
- Terraform is a powerful open-source infrastructure as code (IAC) tool for managing infrastructure resources.
- Ubuntu users can install Terraform using the Snap package manager or HashiCorp’s official repository.
- Installing Terraform on Ubuntu enables easy management and creation of various infrastructure resources such as VMs, network switches, and containers.
- Users can verify the successful installation of Terraform by running the command “terraform -version” in the terminal.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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