--- layout: "intro" page_title: "Introduction" sidebar_current: "what" description: |- Learn what Terraform is, what problems it can solve, and how it compares to existing software. --- # Introduction to Terraform Terraform is an infrastructure as code (IaC) tool that allows you to build, change, and version infrastructure safely and efficiently. This includes low-level components such as compute instances, storage, and networking, as well as high-level components such as DNS entries, SaaS features, etc. Terraform can manage both existing service providers and custom in-house solutions. Below, HashiCorp co-founder and CTO Armon Dadgar describes how Terraform can help solve common infrastructure challenges. ## Key Features ### Infrastructure as Code Infrastructure is described using a high-level [configuration language](/docs/language/index.html) in human-readable, declarative configuration files. This allows you to create a blueprint that can be versioned, shared, and reused. ### Execution Plans Terraform generates an _execution plan_ describing what it will do and asks for your approval before creating, updating, or destroying infrastructure. This allows you to review changes before they are applied. ### Resource Graph Terraform builds a resource graph and parallelizes the creation and modification of any non-dependent resources. This allows Terraform to build resources as efficiently as possible and gives operators greater insight into their infrastructure. ### Change Automation Terraform can apply complex changesets to your infrastructure with minimal human interaction. ## Next Steps - Learn about common [Terraform use cases](/intro/use-cases.html). - Learn [how Terraform compares to and complements other tools](/intro/vs/index.html). - Try the [Terraform: Get Started](https://learn.hashicorp.com/collections/terraform/aws-get-started) tutorials on HashiCorp Learn.