---
page_title: Variables and Outputs
description: >-
  An overview of input variables, output values, and local values in Terraform
  language.
---

# Variables and Outputs

The Terraform language includes a few kinds of blocks for requesting or
publishing named values.

- [Input Variables](/language/values/variables) serve as parameters for
  a Terraform module, so users can customize behavior without editing the source.

- [Output Values](/language/values/outputs) are like return values for a
  Terraform module.

- [Local Values](/language/values/locals) are a convenience feature for
  assigning a short name to an expression.