What command is used to initialize the backend configuration in Terraform?

The command used to initialize the backend configuration in Terraform is "terraform init." This command is essential for setting up a working environment by initializing the configuration files for a Terraform project. It prepares the directory containing the Terraform configuration files by downloading necessary provider plugins and setting up the backend to store state files. When you specify a backend in your configuration, "terraform init" ensures that the backend is configured correctly and ready to be used for managing your infrastructure state.

Without running "terraform init," Terraform would not be aware of the backend configuration, and certain operations cannot be executed, such as applying configurations or planning changes. Therefore, this command plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Terraform environment is correctly set up and functioning as expected.