Terraform gives DevOps teams a clear way to create and manage AWS infrastructure using code instead of manual setup. Teams that rely on cloud scale need this level of control.
AWS grows fast. Accounts fill with networks, instances, and permissions created by different people. Terraform brings order by defining infrastructure in version-controlled files.
In this guide, we explain 15 AWS resources you should always deploy with Terraform, and why this approach fits modern DevOps platforms like Atmosly.
Why Terraform Is Essential for AWS Teams
Terraform allows teams to describe AWS infrastructure in simple configuration files. These files act as a single source of truth.
Terraform enables AWS to:
- Stay consistent across environments
- Reduce setup errors
- Track every change in Git
- Rebuild infrastructure quickly
Platforms like Atmosly build on these ideas by combining Terraform-driven infrastructure with automation and visibility.
1. VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)
A VPC defines your private network in AWS.
Terraform creates VPCs with fixed CIDR ranges and predictable layouts. Terraform ensures every environment follows the same network design.
Without Terraform, teams often create mismatched VPCs that break connectivity.
2. Subnets
Subnets divide a VPC into public and private sections.
Terraform defines:
- Public subnets for load balancers
- Private subnets for applications and databases
Terraform ensures each subnet stays aligned with availability zones.
3. Internet Gateway
An internet gateway allows public resources to reach the internet.
Terraform attaches the gateway to the correct VPC and manages dependencies automatically.
Terraform prevents unused gateways from staying behind after changes.
4. Route Tables
Route tables control how traffic flows inside your network.
Terraform defines:
- Internet routes for public subnets
- NAT routes for private subnets
Terraform keeps routing rules clear and repeatable.
5. NAT Gateway
A NAT gateway lets private resources access the internet safely.
Terraform manages:
- Elastic IP assignment
- Subnet placement
Terraform prevents broken outbound access when scaling services.
6. Security Groups
Security groups define network access rules.
Terraform manages:
- Port access
- Protocol rules
- Source restrictions
Terraform makes security reviews easier by keeping rules in code.
7. IAM Roles
IAM roles control what AWS services can do.
Terraform creates roles with clear permission boundaries. Terraform avoids shared roles that cause security risks.
Terraform ensures services get only the access they need.
8. IAM Policies
IAM policies define detailed permissions.
Terraform stores policies as code, not console changes. Teams can review every permission update before applying it.
Terraform helps prevent accidental over-permissioning.
9. EC2 Instances
EC2 instances still power many workloads.
Terraform manages:
- Instance size
- AMI selection
- Tagging standards
Terraform replaces manual instance launches with repeatable setups.
10. Auto Scaling Groups
Auto Scaling Groups control instance count during load changes.
Terraform defines:
- Scaling rules
- Health checks
- Launch templates
Terraform ensures scaling behavior stays predictable across environments.
11. Application Load Balancer (ALB)
An ALB routes traffic to backend services.
Terraform manages:
- Listeners
- Target groups
- Health checks
Terraform ensures load balancers match application needs exactly.
12. S3 Buckets
S3 stores logs, backups, and application assets.
Terraform controls:
- Bucket policies
- Encryption
- Versioning
Terraform reduces the risk of public data exposure.
13. RDS Databases
RDS provides managed databases.
Terraform defines:
- Storage size
- Backup windows
- High availability settings
Terraform tracks database changes safely over time.
14. CloudWatch Alarms
CloudWatch alarms alert teams when systems fail.
Terraform creates alarms for:
- CPU usage
- Memory pressure
- Error rates
Terraform ensures monitoring exists from the start, not after incidents.
15. EKS Cluster Resources
EKS runs Kubernetes workloads.
Terraform manages:
- Cluster setup
- Node groups
- IAM permissions
Terraform connects networking, security, and compute cleanly for Kubernetes platforms like Atmosly
How Terraform Connects AWS Resources
Terraform creates clear relationships between AWS components.
Examples:
- Terraform links subnets to a VPC
- Terraform assigns security groups to EC2 instances
- Terraform attaches IAM roles to EKS nodes
These links reduce configuration mistakes.
Why Terraform Fits the Atmosly Platform
Atmosly focuses on DevOps automation, Kubernetes operations, and cloud visibility.
Terraform enables Atmosly by:
- Standardizing infrastructure creation
- Reducing manual cloud work
- Supporting repeatable environments
Terraform handles the foundation. Atmosly builds automation on top of it.
Common Problems Without Terraform
Teams that avoid Terraform often face:
- Unknown infrastructure changes
- Permission drift
- Network misconfiguration
- Cost tracking issues
Terraform prevents these problems by enforcing structure and review.
Terraform Best Practices for AWS
Follow these rules:
- Use modules for reuse
- Store state securely
- Apply changes through CI pipelines
- Review plans before applying
Terraform works best when teams treat infrastructure like application code.
Final Thoughts
Terraform gives AWS teams control, clarity, and safety. It replaces manual setup with clear definitions.
If your AWS environment includes networking, compute, storage, or Kubernetes, Terraform should manage it. These 15 resources form a strong base for stable cloud systems.
Terraform supports scale without chaos. Platforms like Atmosly help teams go further by adding automation, visibility, and operational insight on top of that foundation.
Ready to put Terraform into action?
Atmosly helps teams automate Terraform-based AWS infrastructure, manage Kubernetes environments, and deploy faster without manual overhead.
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