In Terraform, which file format is typically used for defining infrastructure resources and configurations?

The file format typically used for defining infrastructure resources and configurations in Terraform is HCL, which stands for HashiCorp Configuration Language. HCL is specifically designed for humans to easily read and write. It provides a clear and concise syntax for defining various Terraform configurations, making it straightforward to describe infrastructure as code.

One of the core advantages of HCL is that it allows for rich expressions, which help to implement complex logic in a simple manner. Additionally, HCL files generally have a .tf extension, which signifies their use by Terraform for resource provisioning.

Using HCL enhances collaboration among teams, as it promotes a clear structure and improves the ease of understanding and navigating code. This is crucial in infrastructure management, where clarity and precision are vital for preventing misconfigurations and ensuring that the infrastructure operates as intended.