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

In Terraform, the typical file format used for defining infrastructure resources and configurations is HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL). HCL is specifically designed to be both human-readable and machine-friendly, allowing users to describe the desired state of infrastructure in a clear and concise manner. It allows for a modular infrastructure as code approach, making it easier to manage, version, and share configurations.

HCL supports a variety of programming constructs such as variables, conditionals, and loops, which enhances its functionality in defining complex infrastructures. It is the primary language for Terraform configuration files, often seen in files with the .tf extension.

The other formats mentioned, such as JSON, YAML, and XML, are used in various contexts for configuration purposes but are not the standard for Terraform. JSON, while it can be utilized with Terraform, is less flexible for configuration and often results in more verbose code compared to HCL. YAML is popular in other configuration management tools but is not utilized in Terraform. XML is largely outdated for infrastructure configuration purposes in favor of more modern formats like HCL.