Transitioning from Terraform to OpenTofu : a Comparative Study and Migration Guide
Faezi, Reza (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120231845
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120231845
Tiivistelmä
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) has transformed the management and
configuration of computing infrastructure in information technology (IT),
promoting efficiency, scalability, and reliability through code automation. This study aims to examine the implications of transitioning from Terraform, a widely used Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool, to OpenTofu, an emerging open source alternative. The study explores the similarities and differences between the two tools, the challenges organization face during migration, and the best practices for ensuring a smooth transition.
The study was conducted through online research, analysing the core features, architecture, and workflows of both tools. It includes a detailed comparative analysis, focusing on areas such as feature sets, ease of use, licencing, cost implications, and security considerations. It also covers the migration process in-depth, offering a guide to converting Terraform scripts to OpenTofu, along with tools and strategies for testing and validating the new configurations.
The results of the study show that while Terraform and OpenTofu share
foundational elements, the primary difference lies in their licencing: OpenTofu is entirely open source, unlike Terraform’s new Business Source Licence (BSL). The study highlights migration challenges, such as dependency management and compatibility issues, and outlines strategies to address them.
In conclusion, the study benefits organizations seeking to switch from a
proprietary to an open source IaC tool by providing practical insights and
migration guidance. It recommends a careful, incremental migration approach and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing and stakeholder engagement. Further research is suggested to explore performance comparisons and develop frameworks for migration.
configuration of computing infrastructure in information technology (IT),
promoting efficiency, scalability, and reliability through code automation. This study aims to examine the implications of transitioning from Terraform, a widely used Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool, to OpenTofu, an emerging open source alternative. The study explores the similarities and differences between the two tools, the challenges organization face during migration, and the best practices for ensuring a smooth transition.
The study was conducted through online research, analysing the core features, architecture, and workflows of both tools. It includes a detailed comparative analysis, focusing on areas such as feature sets, ease of use, licencing, cost implications, and security considerations. It also covers the migration process in-depth, offering a guide to converting Terraform scripts to OpenTofu, along with tools and strategies for testing and validating the new configurations.
The results of the study show that while Terraform and OpenTofu share
foundational elements, the primary difference lies in their licencing: OpenTofu is entirely open source, unlike Terraform’s new Business Source Licence (BSL). The study highlights migration challenges, such as dependency management and compatibility issues, and outlines strategies to address them.
In conclusion, the study benefits organizations seeking to switch from a
proprietary to an open source IaC tool by providing practical insights and
migration guidance. It recommends a careful, incremental migration approach and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing and stakeholder engagement. Further research is suggested to explore performance comparisons and develop frameworks for migration.